Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda indicated Thursday the Cabinet is likely to be reshuffled shortly after the Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election Sept. 20.
"A political power vacuum is not desirable," Fukuda said. "A new administration should be created as soon as possible."
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has said he would change the Cabinet lineup if he is re-elected as LDP president. But Koizumi was shifty on his stance when asked about Fukuda's comments on the reshuffle.
LDP Secretary General Taku Yamasaki said separately it would be possible to change the Cabinet on Sept. 21, even though it is a Sunday. Another party leader also said a Cabinet reshuffle that day would be "desirable."