Ishiba, let's take a breather.a strong chance of re-nomination as prime minister

[Anchor]
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's re-nomination is likely as opposition votes are dispersed in the election for the prime minister of Japan's special extraordinary parliamentary session on the 11th.

However, if the low approval rating continues, there is a prospect that the replacement movement could intensify within the ruling party.

Correspondent Kim Se-ho's report from Tokyo.

[Reporter]
Prime Minister Ishiba must leave his fate to the election of the prime minister at a special parliament on the 11th after Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party failed to secure a majority in the general election.

Following the first round, he is likely to face Yoshihiko Noda, the leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, in the final round.

If all opposition lawmakers support Noda in the vote, they can bring down Prime Minister Ishiba.

However, Prime Minister Ishiba's re-nomination seems likely as minority opposition parties, including the People's Democratic Party, have expressed their intention to vote for the head of each party in the final round.

However, voices within the Liberal Democratic Party continue to speak on Ishiba's responsibility.

[Sakurada Yoshitaga / Liberal Democratic Party Member: I think the loss lies with the prime minister. In the past, he told the prime minister to 'back off', but he himself should step down.]

Prime Minister Ishiba bowed his head once again at a meeting of the House of Representatives to evaluate the results of the general elections.

[Shigeru Ishiba / Prime Minister of Japan] I think I have to deeply reflect on myself and apologize.]

Although there were criticisms of the election results at the meeting, it did not lead to the atmosphere of a change in the prime minister, which seems to be strengthening the re-confidence of Prime Minister Ishiba.

However, a recent poll showed that Ishiba's approval rating plummeted 12 percentage points to 34 percent from just after its inauguration.

Prime Minister Ishiba is likely to be re-nominated, so the fire on his feet is likely to be extinguished immediately.

However, if the party fails to prepare an early opportunity for a rebound in its approval rating, it is expected that the party's change could begin in earnest.

I'm Kim Se-ho from YTN in Tokyo.