Japan's Abe extends lead in polls on PM race

TOKYO, June 19: Japan's chief cabinet secretary Shinzo Abe has increased his lead in the race to become the country's next prime minister, according to opinion polls released today.

Abe, 51, a popular political blue-blood known for his tough stance toward China and North Korea, has consistently topped the list of politicians voters say they'd like to see succeed Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi after he steps down in September.

According to a poll conducted at the weekend by the Nihon Keizai business daily, 41 percent of voters support Abe, a rise of eight percentage points from the previous May poll.

Leading rival Yasuo Fukuda, a 69-year-old veteran lawmaker, was supported by only 17 percent, a slide of 4 percentage points.

Neither politician has formally said they will stand in an election for president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to be held in September.

The party president is expected to become prime minister by virtue of the LDP's majority in parliament's powerful lower house.

A survey conducted by the Mainichi daily had similar results, with 42 percent supporting Abe -- a rise of 4 percentage points -- and 19 percent for Fukuda, against 20 percent in May.

Japan's relations with China and South Korea have become a focal point in the race to succeed Koizumi, whom critics blame for chilling ties with the two Asian neighbours by visiting a Tokyo shrine where convicted war criminals are honoured along with the nation's war dead.

Abe has defended Koizumi's visits to the Yasukuni shrine, but has not made clear if he would continue with them were he to become prime minister. Fukuda favours building a new, secular memorial.

Of those who supported Abe, 47 percent said they liked his personality and image, followed by 24 percent who said they supported his views on diplomacy and security.

Fukuda has criticised Koizumi's Asian diplomacy, and 53 percent of those who supported him said his diplomatic views were the reason.

Fukuda had appeared to be closing the gap until last week, but supporters are concerned his failure to declare his candidacy may erode his support.

Aides have denied that his recent overseas trips were intended to bolster his diplomatic credentials, and Japanese media said last week he declined an invitation to speak to a group of lawmakers who also invited rival candidates to speak, Abe has said he will make a formal announcement on his candidacy after the Group of Eight summit in mid-July.

Analysts say September 20 appears a likely date for the election.

Reuters