Shinzo Abe re-elects as prime minister, to form new cabinet

President of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Shinzo Abe on Wednesday gained 328 votes in the 475-seat lower house during a prime minister election and was re-elected as the country's prime minister. He will form a new cabinet later the day.

During another post-election session in the upper house, Abe also gained the majority votes in the 240-seat chamber.

Local reports said almost all ministers are likely to retain their posts, but Defense Ministers Akinori Eto has declined the reappointment due to his political fund scandal.

Gen Nakatani, 57, is expected to replace Eto as Japan's defense chief, local reports quoted LDP officials as reporting.