Young Conservative to Head Democratic Party
The Democratic Party of Japan narrowly elected as its new leader a young conservative who wants a more assertive role for Japan’s military, taking a surprising turn as the bruised and humiliated party tries to rebuild after a crushing election defeat.
Seiji Maehara, 43, defeated charismatic but scandal-tainted veteran Naoto Kan, 58, in a 96-94 vote by party loyalists.
In the Sept. 11 parliamentary vote, the Democrats dropped to 113 seats from 175, delaying any hope for a two-party political system in Japan. Maehara pledged to remake his party on a system of meritocracy and ideas instead of old-boy personal ties.
More to Read
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.