Aso rules out early presidential poll

TOKYO, June 25 (UPI) -- Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso ruled out holding a poll for president of his ruling Liberal Democratic Party prior to general elections.

Speaking at a news conference Thursday, Aso, whose government has seen its ratings plunge, rejected suggestions by some party lawmakers to hold a party presidential poll to replace him before the election. Aso became party president last September after his predecessor Yasuo Fukuda stepped down, Kyodo news reported.

"Holding a presidential election again could hurt the public's impression of the LDP," the prime minister said.

Aso did not give a firm date on dissolving the lower house of parliament to prepare for the election, but was quoted as saying that would come "in the not-do-distant future."

The Kyodo report said the speculation is Aso would dissolve the lower house, where his party and supporters hold a majority, in early July and set elections for Aug. 2.

Such a step, some of his lawmakers believe, would allow Aso to promote his initiatives instead of being seen as holding on until the end. Elections must be held by October.