But Kan, under strong pressure to quit soon, indicated at the same time that he has no plans to dissolve the House of Representatives for a general election while he is in power.

''How to guide our country's energy policy will probably become the biggest issue in the next national election,'' Kan told a meeting of all lawmakers from his Democratic Party of Japan.

Kan’s remarks came amid speculation that he could call an election in August to try to break the political stalemate.

Kan said on June 27 that he is ready to step down if three conditions are met, amid strong criticism from both opposition and ruling party lawmakers for his perceived lack of leadership in dealing with the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, and the nuclear crisis.

The three conditions are parliamentary passage of the second extra budget for fiscal 2011, a bill to enable the government to issue deficit-covering bonds and a bill aimed at promoting the use of renewable energy sources during the current Diet session, which will run through August 31.