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Preparations for the delayed Summer Games have
been marred by a firestorm over comments made this month by
Mori, who eventually stepped down on Friday.
In its first meeting on Tuesday, the Tokyo 2020's candidate
selection committee agreed on five requirements for a new
leader, including a deep understanding of gender equality and
diversity and the ability to actualise those values during the
Games, the organisers said in a statement.
Among other qualities required are an international profile and
experience on the global stage.
"The committee will make its selection of candidates for Tokyo
2020 president in accordance with these five criteria as swiftly
as possible," the organisers said.
The resignation of the 83-year-old former prime minister has
further eroded confidence in the organisers' ability to pull off
the huge sporting event during a coronavirus pandemic. Public
opinion polls in Japan show many no longer want the event held
there at all.
Mori drew more fire by asking the mayor of the Olympic Village,
84-year-old Saburo Kawabuchi, to take over the job, prompting
demands that a younger and/or female candidate be found, rather
than another octogenarian male.
Seiko Hashimoto, an incumbent Olympic minister and seven-time
Olympian, is among potential candidates to replace Mori, local
media said. Several Olympic medallists and a former Olympic
minister can emerge as contenders, media reported.
(Reporting by Ju-min Park; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
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