Tokyo: A dovish ruling party elder was seen pulling ahead today in the race to become Japan's next prime minister after he and a former foreign minister formally applied to succeed Shinzo Abe.

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) elder, Yasuo Fukuda and Taro Aso submitted their candidacy applications to LDP headquarters in Tokyo, party officials said. No others followed suit and the formal deadline for applications passed a little before midday today, confirming the election as a two-way battle between Fukuda and Aso.

"I would like to officially declare my candidacy," Fukuda told reporters, having earlier said it was time to engage in "broad dialogue" with the people.
The LDP is scheduled to select its next leader on Sept 23. The winner then becomes Japan's premier as the party controls the powerful lower house of parliament.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced his resignation on Wednesday following a raft of scandals, a plunge in popularity and ill-health. He has been hospitalised.

Local media said Fukuda, a 71-year-old former top government spokesman seen as a foreign policy dove, had taken a comfortable lead among ruling party lawmakers. Fukuda had already secured the "overwhelming" support of a majority of LDP members after closed-door negotiations among senior party figures, the Nikkei business daily and other media reported.

But reports said Aso, an outspoken 66-year-old politician, was struggling to win support.