Democratic Party of Japan President Ichiro Ozawa was assured of re-election for a third term with no other candidates having come forward in the presidential election announced Sept. 8, paving the way for the main opposition party to gear up for a general election that Ozawa calls his "last challenge" to wrest the reins of power.

As ruling lawmakers are eyeing a Lower House election within a few months, Ozawa, 66, stands a chance of becoming Japan's leader, if he can guide his party to a victory in that election, as he propelled the DPJ to victory in last year's Upper House election.