Japan's Former Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara gives a speech during the election for a new president of the Democratic Party in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 29, 2011. Japan's ruling Democratic Party started Monday an election of the party's president, who is expected to become the country's third prime minister in two years. Five candidates, namely Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Banri Kaieda, Former Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara, Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Michihiko Kano, and Former Transport Minister Sumio Mabuchi, vied for the top post to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Naoto Kan. [Xinhua/Kenichiro Seki]