Japan's leader set for re-election

TOKYO -- Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's Cabinet resigned en masse today, a formality following legislative elections that clears the way for Koizumi to be re-elected by Parliament later in the day.

His ruling coalition retained its majority in elections on Nov. 9, and the special session of the newly elected Parliament was being convened today to re-elect him, select committee chairs and conclude other business.

Koizumi, who reshuffled his Cabinet in September, was expected to make few, if any, changes in its lineup. Following his re-election, scheduled for early Wednesday afternoon, he was to announce their names and then be sworn in with them by Emperor Akihito.

Koizumi assumed office in April 2001.