The factional jostling within the Liberal Democratic Party heated up Monday as former health minister Junichiro Koizumi announced his plan to run for the April 24 party presidential election.
Meanwhile, the party's largest faction, led by former Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, is expected to field Hashimoto in the election, although opposition from some of its members is preventing a final decision. Taro Aso, state minister for economic and fiscal policy, may also join the race.
Earlier Monday, the LDP's presidential election administration committee decided to formally announce the election on Wednesday and accept candidacies Thursday between 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.