Japan parliament elects Yoshihide Suga as new prime minister

Japan's outgoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks with newly elected leader of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Yoshihide Suga as they attend a Lower House parliament session to vote for the next prime minister in Tokyo. AFP

Japan's newly-elected Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga bows as he was chosen as the new prime minister at the Lower House of the Parliament in Tokyo. REUTERS

Japan's outgoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe waves before leaving the prime minister's office. AP Photo

Members of the Lower House attend a parliament session to vote for the next prime minister in Tokyo. AFP

Japan's outgoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe casts his ballot to elect new prime minister. AFP

Newly elected leader of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Yoshihide Suga casts his ballot to elect new prime minister. AFP

Japan's outgoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe receives a bouquet upon his departure from the the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. EPA

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga applauds with others as outgoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bids farewell to the staff members after his last cabinet meeting in Tokyo. AFP

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga bows as he is welcomed by officials, following the departure of outgoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, at the official prime minister's residence in Tokyo. REUTERS

Lower House lawmakers wait for the results after voting to elect a new prime minister at the parliament in Tokyo. AFP

Japan's newly-elected Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga stands as he was chosen as new prime minister at the Lower House of Parliament in Tokyo. REUTERS

Yoshihide Suga arrives at the prime minister's office after being formally elected Japan’s prime minister in a parliamentary vote, succeeding Shinzo Abe, in Tokyo. AP Photo

Japan's parliament on Wednesday elected Yoshihide Suga as prime minister, with the former chief cabinet secretary expected to stick closely to policies championed by Shinzo Abe during his record-breaking tenure.

"According to the results, our house has decided to name Yoshihide Suga prime minister," lower house speaker Tadamori Oshima told parliament after the votes were counted.

Mr Suga, 71, won an easy victory, taking 314 votes of 462 valid ballots cast in the lower house of parliament, where his ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds a commanding majority with its coalition partner.

He bowed deeply as politicians applauded following the announcement, but made no immediate comment.

He is expected to announce his cabinet later on Wednesday, with local media reporting he will retain a number of ministers from Mr Abe's government.

Mr Suga has said he will prioritise keeping coronavirus infections under control and boosting Japan's economy, and has promised to continue Mr Abe's key policy programmes.