Japan prepares to reappoint Abe as prime minister

Japan's Prime Minister and the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Shinzo Abe, points to a reporter during a news conference following a victory in the lower house elections by his ruling coalition, at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo, in this December 15, 2014 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

TOKYO - Japan is preparing to name Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to his next term in office following his party's victory in a Dec 14 snap election.

Abe's Cabinet disbanded early Wednesday as a first step. The parliament will convene later in the day to elect Abe as prime minister. Abe is due to then appoint a new cabinet.

Japanese media reported that the cabinet ministers will mostly remain the same, apart from the defense minister. Many of the ministers were appointed in a reshuffle in early September.

The election's outcome was seen as a public endorsement of Abe's strategy for reviving the economy. Abe, who took office two years ago, could stay in office for another four years but must call the next election by December 2018.