Japan Politics: Japan's Abe re-elected as party head, will stay on as PM

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02:02

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been re-elected as the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party. He's now also set to become the country's longest-serving prime minister.

SHINZO ABE RE-ELECTED LEADER OF LDP, JAPANESE PM "While I aim to finally settle Japan's postwar diplomacy, I hope Japan becomes a peaceful and stable nation. And, further beyond that, I wish to work together with you all in order to finally revise Japan's constitutions."

Although Abe has invited strong public distrust over favoritism scandals, his support within the ruling LDP remained strong.

"Japan has seen frequent changes in its Prime Ministers in the past, which led to some mistrust diplomatically. I welcome a stable long term government."

With his latest election victory, Abe is looking to push through with his constitution revision plans, as early as this fall, when the national legislature, or diet, meets.

Abe's proposed amendment will include a clear reference to Japan's Self-Defense Forces, without revising the rest of the constitution's Article 9, which renounces the right to wage war.

TERRENCE TERASHIMA TOKYO "Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expected to submit a draft for the constitution revision in the next diet session. However, Many of the public wants him to concentrate on regional diplomacy and social security issues."

Diplomacy with neighboring countries is of great interest.

"Many of the Japanese media and leftists, only look at diplomacy in the Far East Asia, Abe should work towards taking the lead in the whole of the Asian region."

Despite the victory, Abe still needs to deal with strong public distrust and disapproval.

"He has got so much power within the party and the government, I am worried that he can push through with anything he wants."

Abe is scheduled to reshuffle his cabinet on October the 1st, before the start of the diet session later in the month. Terrence Terashima, CGTN Tokyo.