The free-for-all following the breakup of Shinshinto appeared to be giving way Monday to five new parties.
Members of what was the largest opposition party were regrouping fast to fill in the missing pieces of the political jigsaw puzzle.
More than 30 of the 45 Lower House members of Shinshinto who once belonged to the now-defunct Komeito, which was supported by Japan's largest Buddhist lay organization, Soka Gakkai, will form a new party, it was decided Monday. About 20 Shinshinto members who once belonged to the now-defunct Democratic Socialist Party meanwhile announced they are forming Shinto Yuai, or New Party Fraternity.
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