The latest opinion polls in Japan indicate that former chief Cabinet secretary Yasuo Fukuda is set for a decisive victory in the race to become Japan's next prime minister.
A survey released Saturday by the Asahi newspaper said that Fukuda is expected to secure more than 60 percent of the votes when the ruling Liberal Democratic Party casts ballots for its new leader on Sunday. Fukuda is running against former foreign minister Taro Aso.
The winning candidate is guaranteed to become prime minister because the LDP has a majority in Japan's powerful lower house. The winner will formally become prime minister on Tuesday after a parliamentary vote.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe abruptly announced his resignation last week, ending a year-long government that has taken a dive in popularity following allegations of corruption and mismanagement of the country's pension system.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.