Japan's PM eyes general election by end of year

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda is considering calling a general election by the end of the year. Noda spoke at a Lower House Budget Committee. He acknowledged saying in August that he would seek voters' approval "sometime soon", according to Japan's (NHK WORLD) website. Noda told the Democratic Party's Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi on Sunday he is thinking of dissolving the lower house. He had promised opposition parties he would call an election after key bills are passed. Enactment of those bills is now imminent. The Secretary General wants to hold an election as late as possible. He said the Prime Minister risks creating a political vacuum. Many ruling party members agree. They point to Noda's plunging approval ratings. They also cite a Supreme Court ruling that the electoral system must be reformed before the next general election. Parliament has yet to enact the reforms. But some Democrats support Noda. They say the party will need support from the Liberal Democratic Party and the New Komeito after the election. They also warn that opposition parties could submit a no-confidence motion against the cabinet if Noda breaks his pledge.