Yukio Hatoyama elected as Japanese prime minister

TOKYO, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- The House of Representatives on Wednesday elected Yukio Hatoyama, president of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), as Japan's 93rd prime minister, succeeding Taro Aso of the Liberal Democratic Party.

This file photo shows Japanese Prime Minister -elect Yukio Hatoyama makes an opening speech at  Asahi World Environment Forum 2009 in Tokyo  September 7, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Following his election in the lower house, the House of Councilors also picked Hatoyama as the new premier.

The election of Hatoyama to the top government office came as widely expected as the DPJ-led tripartite coalition with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the People's New Party (PNP) commands majorities in both chambers of the Diet.

In the historic general election on Aug. 30, the DPJ won by a landslide, breaking the half-century lock of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on power.

Hatoyama will shortly announce the lineup of his cabinet.