Report: Aso to put off election call

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TOKYO, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso has decided against calling elections this year because of growing economic problems, sources told Kyodo news Tuesday.

While some in his ruling coalition want elections held toward the close of next month, the sources quoted Aso, who assumed power in September, as telling coalition officials: "For the time being, I just could not create a political vacuum. I will put priority on economic and financial measures."

The report said the decision to put off the polls until early next year may, however, encourage a backlash from Japan's main opposition Democratic Party of Japan.

Aso's Cabinet has seen its approval ratings go down but the prime minister is hoping for an improvement in the numbers with his economic measures, the report said. Aso plans to enact a bill to allow an option to enable public fund injections into local financial institutions.

The prime minister doesn't have to call for new elections until September of next year when the four-year term of the members of the powerful House of Representatives expires, the report said.