Japan's PM eyes year-end election in quid-pro-quo deal with opposition (4)

The beleaguered premiere has been involved in a vigorous standoff with the LDP and its small New Komeito party confederate, who have attempted to force the premier into stepping down or calling an early general election, or face stalled deliberations in the Diet or vital bills being blocked in the upper house.

"The prime minister was apparently prompted to consider dissolution by a change in the stance of the largest opposition Liberal Democratic Party," the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper said in a recent editorial on the matter.

"LDP President Shinzo Abe recently said his party is ready to cooperate on passing a bill to issue deficit-covering bonds and resolving other key issues," the popular Japanese daily said.

But despite Noda seemingly gaining the cooperation of the LDP and the New Komeito opposition bloc in return for calling a general election, he could still face a backlash from within the DPJ rank-and-file constituent, which could lead to Noda being ousted and his cabinet forced to resign en masse.

According to the Asahi Shimbun newspaper Noda has held talks with DPJ Secretary-General Azuma Koshiishi who told the prime minister that the environment would have to be suitable for the lower house to be dissolved and urged the prime minister to tread carefully.