Japan PM to call poll

TOKYO – Japan’s struggling prime minister called yesterday for national elections next month following a crushing defeat for his party in a Tokyo municipal election seen as a barometer of voter sentiment.

With the opposition surging in popularity – on the back of economic malaise and several gaffes by the ruling party – it appeared increasingly likely it could take power after 50 years of almost exclusive rule by Prime Minister Taro Aso’s Liberal Democratic Party.Aso told leaders of his party he would likely dissolve the powerful lower house of the legislature next week, with a general election to be held on August 30, according to a party spokesman.The emboldened opposition, added to his headaches yesterday by submitting to parliament a no-confidence motion. – Nampa-AP