 Science & Technology || Search || Back Numbers HASHIMOTO REELECTED:
 Hashimoto retains party leadership. (Photo: Kyodo) Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto was reelected president of the Liberal Democratic Party uncontested on September 8 after being the only one to file his candidacy on the day the LDP officially called the presidential election. He will be formally acclaimed president for a second two-year term on September 11 at a meeting of party members from both houses of the National Diet. LDP rules stipulate that the president may serve up to four consecutive years, or two two-year terms. Hashimoto became president in September 1995 when he was the minister of international trade and industry in the cabinet of Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama. He was elected president after the term of his predecessor, Yohei Kono, expired. He became prime minister and formed a coalition cabinet with the Social Democratic Party and New Party Sakigake after Murayama stepped down in January 1996. In the House of Representatives election of October 1996 he led the party to a large victory, although it was not quite large enough for a majority in the lower house. Hashimoto consequently launched his second cabinet--this time consisting only of LDP members--the following month. Hashimoto's reelection will ensure his continued tenure as Japan's prime minister.
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