(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in Japan want experienced politician Yasuo Fukuda to become the country’s next prime minister, according to a poll by Sankei Shimbun and Fuji Television. 56 per cent of respondents would like Fukuda to replace outgoing head of government Shinzo Abe.

Former foreign affairs minister Taro Aso is a distant second with 28 per cent, and 16 per cent of respondents did not pick either of the two main contenders.

In September 2006, Abe became the new leader of the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Japan’s 90th prime minister. Abe vowed to "make Japan into a country full of vitality, opportunities and kindness."

Abe resigned on Sept. 10. His tenure was affected by allegations of corruption, massive clerical errors within the Social Insurance Agency (SIA), embarrassing statements by several cabinet members, and the suicide of agriculture minister Toshikatsu Matsuoka.

An internal LDP meeting—where Abe’s successor will be chosen—has been scheduled for Sept. 23. Aside from Fukuda and Aso, the list of potential contenders includes finance minister Fukushiro Nukaga.

The 71-year-old Fukuda served as chief cabinet secretary during the premierships of Yoshiro Mori and Junichiro Koizumi. He is also the son of former prime minister Takeo Fukuda.

On Sept. 17, Fukuda said he would be a strong advocate for strengthening ties between Japan and the rest of Asia if he becomes prime minister. He also vowed to restore ties with North Korea, which have been strained for decades over the kidnapping of Japanese citizens several years ago, and added, "If the abductees come back, and North Korea gives up its nuclear and missile programmes, we can restore diplomatic relations. (...) We can bring a new stage of growth in the region with China, South Korea and Russia."

Polling Data

Who would you prefer as prime minister?

Source: Sankei Shimbun / Fuji Television
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 Japanese adults, conducted on Sept. 15 and Sept. 16, 2007. No margin of error was provided.

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