A loss by Japan's governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in local Tokyo elections could likely weaken Prime Minister Taro Aso's hold on power, reported Japanese media Sunday, according to dpa. Media reports showed the LDP losing decisively to the opposition Democratic Party of Japan in Sunday's race for the Tokyo assembly. Although the race does not directly affect the LDP's control of the national government, it is seen as an indicator of how a national poll might run with elections required by the autumn. The LDP has sunk steadily in popularity in recent years, going through three leaders since 2006. If the early reports of an LDP loss are correct, party leaders might call for a new prime minister to lead the LDP into the national elections, reported Japanese media. The LDP has led the country for almost 50 straight years. Aso has vowed to stay in office, regardless of how the Tokyo race turns out. LDP candidates have lost to the DPJ in four recent municipal elections. The DPJ has campaigned on a platform of reducing Japan's bureaucracy, but has encountered its own problems in the form of a campaign finance scandal.
