LDP in Peril

Yoshimi Watanabe, an official in Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), split with ranks yesterday after his policy suggestions were ignored by Prime Minister Taro Aso, reports Asahi.

Watanabe also said Aso needs to "quit politics that give top priority to maintaining the administration's hold on power."  The remarks come at a critical time for the LDP, reports the BBC, who have approval ratings hovering around just 20 percent.  Some in the party, which has been in power for all but a few months of the last 50 years, fear that the resignation may signal more to come.  

Elections are scheduled for September.