Japans PM Naoto Kan has resigned, clearing the way for Japans sixth leader in five years.The ruling Democratic Party of Japan is now expected to hold a leadership election on Monday.Mr Kan is stepping down after he was criticised for his handling of Japans deadly 11 March earthquake and tsunami.
In June, Mr Kan pledged to quit if parliament passed three key pieces of legislation, which it did on Friday.National broadcaster NHK quoted Mr Kan as saying that "as promised on 2 June, I am resigning as the leader of the DPJ".Once the new leader is selected, I will also resign as the Prime Minister," he was quoted as saying.
Whoever becomes Japans next prime minister will have to oversee the nations rebuilding effort after the quake, as well as the radiation crisis at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, correspondents say.
Another priority will be fixing Japans economy, which is facing challenges from a strong yen, has the worlds largest public debt and is stuck in a deflationary quagmire, correspondents say.
Japans Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda, Trade Minister Banri Kaieda, Agriculture Minister Michihiko Kano and former Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara are among the contenders for the prime ministers position. -BBC