Tokyo - Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) elected Taro Aso to succeed Yasuo Fukuda as its party leader Monday.

Aso, 68-year-old former LDP secretary general and foreign minister, is likely to become Japan's prime minister in Wednesday's election as the LDP holds the majority of seats in the more powerful lower house, Japan's House of Representatives.

Fukuda announced his shock resignation on September 1. (dpa)