August 23, 2010
Prime Minister Naoto Kan has urged new lawmakers of his Democratic Party to support his bid for reelection as leader of the party in its upcoming election. Official campaigning starts on September 1st.
On Monday, Kan met about 20 such Diet members, in the first of a series of such meetings.
Kan said he wants to stay on as party leader for the next three years to win voter trust and implement pledges made by the party during last year's Lower House election campaign. He suggested that after he accomplishes this, the Upper and Lower House elections be held at the same time.
Asked about calls for strong party unity, Kan said he hopes to reestablish the party in a way to motivate all of its members.
He also said he will seek help from former party secretary general Ichiro Ozawa whenever he has a role to play, adding that he is a capable politician.
Debate is ongoing as to whether Ozawa should run in the party election after he resigned as secretary general over political fund scandals.
Some lawmakers said Kan should clearly explain how he will implement the campaign pledges and where he's leading Japan.
Kan is due to meet, through Wednesday, 150 new Democrat lawmakers -- more than one-third of the party's Diet members.
2010/08/23 13:39(JST)
(JST: UTC+9hrs.)
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