Young Conservative to Head Democratic Party
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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.
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