Party shows Mori the way out

TOKYO, Japan -- The way has been cleared for unpopular Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori to be replaced as party chief and hence, premier.

Japan's dominant Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) agreed on Wednesday to hold a party presidential election in April.

LDP policy chief Shizuka Kamei told reporters that senior party officials had agreed on the broad timetable for the election of the party chief, who will likely become Japan's next prime minister.

The LDP-led ruling coalition has a majority in parliament's Lower House.

Japanese media have said the LDP election was likely to take place on April 23 and the new prime minister to be voted in by parliament around April 26.

Ruling coalition lawmakers are keen to replace Mori, whose public support has plunged to single digit levels after a string of blunders and verbal gaffes.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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