The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Tokyo

Japan's premier-designate Taro Aso got down to business Tuesday by trying to ensure an alliance with his party's partner, which has been increasingly uneasy about the coalition as tough elections loom.

The brash conservative handily won the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership election on Monday, fuelling speculation that he would call general elections as soon as late October. The 68-year-old former foreign minister was to meet Tuesday with Akihiro Ota, head of New Komeito, to confirm the two-party coalition in a deadlocked parliament half controlled by a rising opposition. New Komeito, Japan's third largest party, enjoys steady support from a Buddhist sect. It has been restless with Aso's predecessor Yasuo Fukuda, fearing he would lead the two parties to election defeat by weakening social welfare services.