Japan's New Pm Prepares for Poll

Taro Aso, Japan's new prime minister, was yesterday preparing to name a cabinet packed with fellow conservatives as his party braced itself for its most difficult election in recent memory.

Aso, 68, a former foreign minister, easily won a lower house vote to become Japan's third prime minister in just over a year. In a show of defiance, the opposition-controlled upper house voted for the Democratic party of Japan leader Ichiro Ozawa.

Aso's rise to the top of Japanese politics began with victory in a vote to choose a new leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic party following the shock resignation of Yasuo Fukuda, who stepped down this month after less than a year. His predecessor, Shinzo Abe, resigned a year ago amid scandal and health concerns.

The turmoil is unlikely to end, with Aso's party under pressure to address economic concerns from a restless electorate and a resurgent opposition.

Speculation is mounting that Aso, an outspoken conservative, will call an election within weeks in an attempt to capitalize on an expected short-term boost in support for his embattled party.

Aso, though, has said he will guide an economic stimulus package through parliament before calling an election, possibly in early November.