Japan´s ruling party candidates make final speeches

Source: CCTV.com | 09-22-2008 09:19

The five candidates vying for the leadership of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party have made their final bids for election.

Taro Aso, one of the five candidates for Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)  presidential election, addresses a campaign to exposit his political beliefs in downtown Tokyo, capital of Japan, Sept. 11, 2008.   (Xinhua Photo)

The move comes ahead of their party's vote to replace outgoing Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda.

Fukuda abruptly resigned earlier this month, saying he could not deal with the opposition's uncooperative strategy.

Taro Aso, a former Foreign Minister and number two in the ruling party, is widely seen as the front-runner in the contest. The election will be held on Monday.

The winner is virtually assured of becoming prime minister when parliament opens on Wednesday.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei