Japanese lawmakers will vote to pick the new prime minister to succeed Junichiro Koizumi on Sept. 22, two days after the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) presidential election, Kyodo News reported Friday.

The new prime minister will also launch a cabinet on Sept. 22. The schedule has been agreed by Koizumi and Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe, the report said, citing government sources.

Since the LDP is dominant in the powerful House of Representatives, its presidential election will effectively determine who will succeed Junichiro Koizumi as prime minister.
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Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki and Foreign Minister Taro Aso have formally announced their bid to run in the LDP presidential election. Abe, who enjoys a higher support rate than others, is expected to announce his bid early next month.

A legislator planning to run in the LDP presidential election must obtain endorsement from 20 LDP lawmakers. The election board will accept candidates on Sept. 8 and vote will be held on Sept. 20.

(Xinhua News Agency August 25, 2006)