But the faction-ridden party appears to be bogged down in negotiations over who the replacement should be.
Staying in office through the end of the month would also allow Mori to see the budget through Parliament and to hold summits with Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 25 and with US President George W. Bush around March 19.
The top contenders to succeed Mori appeared to be former Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, Foreign Minister Yohei Kono, former Health Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Chikage Ogi, who heads the Conservative Party, the smallest of the three ruling coalition parties.
Though considered a long shot, Ogi would be Japan's first female prime minister if selected.
RSS