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Japanese PM and cabinet step down Japan parliament chooses new PM
(about 4 hours later)
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his entire cabinet have officially resigned, clearing the way for a new government, reports say. Japan's parliament is formally voting to elect a new prime minister to replace Shinzo Abe.
Yasuo Fukuda is expected to be chosen as PM by parliament later on Tuesday. Yasuo Fukuda, chosen by the governing Liberal Democratic Party to replace Mr Abe, is almost certain to win the lower house vote and become prime minister.
Mr Fukuda, 71, was chosen on Sunday to replace Mr Abe by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Mr Abe officially resigned along with his entire cabinet earlier on Tuesday.
Mr Abe has been treated in hospital for stress-related stomach problems since he quit 12 days ago, throwing the country into political confusion. He has been treated in hospital for stress-related stomach problems since he quit 12 days ago, throwing the country into political confusion.
His formal resignation ends a year-long premiership plagued by ministerial scandals. Members of the lower house of parliament - where there is an overwhelming government and coalition majority - are voting first.
Mr Fukuda is expected to win a resounding victory from his LDP party and its allies.
Constitutional safeguard
But the opposition controls the upper house and is likely to vote against Mr Fukuda.
That means that for the first time in nine years a joint committee of both Houses would be convened to try to resolve the issue.
The BBC's correspondent in Tokyo, Chris Hogg, says that even if they do not reach agreement, Mr Fukuda will become prime minister anyway.
The decision of the Lower House will be regarded as the final decision under the terms of the constitution, our correspondent says.
At the age of 71, Mr Fukuda will become the oldest Japanese prime minister since the early 1990s.
Our correspondent says Mr Fukuda has a tough task ahead of him as his party is unpopular and the opposition plans to block his legislative programme.
Mr Abe's formal resignation brought to an end a year-long premiership plagued by ministerial scandals.
It culminated in disastrous upper house election losses in July.It culminated in disastrous upper house election losses in July.
The BBC's correspondent in Tokyo, Chris Hogg, says Mr Fukuda has a tough task ahead of him as his party is unpopular and the opposition plans to block his legislative programme.