Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe [Images] and his Cabinet resigned on Tuesday, clearing the way for new ruling party leader Yasuo Fukuda as prime minister.

Abe had announced on September 12 that he wanted to resign.

Abe told mediapersons on Monday that his poor health lay behind his decision to resign.

Following a hastily called poll, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Sunday selected Fukuda, the 71-year-old son of a prime minister, as its new president.

The post ensures he will be elected prime minister during Parliament's meeting later on Tuesday.