Democratic Party of Japan lawmaker Yoshihiko Noda gave up his bid Friday to run in the party's presidential election in September, increasing the likelihood that current leader Ichiro Ozawa will be reinstalled unopposed.
The presidential election of the largest opposition party has been in the spotlight because the next leader could become the prime minister if the DPJ wins the next general election, which must be held by September 2009.
"Judging comprehensively, I came to the conclusion that I am not in a situation to engage in a battle (for the presidency)," said Noda, who chairs the DPJ's public relations committee. "It is due to my lack of power . . . it is a shame."
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