Who Will Lead Japan's LDP with 5 Candidates in the Race?
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Synopsis
As Japan's Liberal Democratic Party embarks on a crucial leadership election with five candidates, the stakes are high. Each contender brings unique experiences to tackle pressing issues, such as economic strategies and party revitalization. This election could determine the next Prime Minister amidst a backdrop of political turbulence.
Key Takeaways
- Leadership election of Japan's LDP commenced with five candidates.
- The election focuses on economic strategies and party revitalization.
- Voting will involve over 910,000 party members.
- The new leader is likely to become the next Prime Minister.
- This election follows previous political challenges and scandals.
Tokyo, Sep 22 (NationPress) The leadership election campaign of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) was officially initiated on Monday, featuring a lineup of five candidates who have declared their intentions.
The candidates include Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, former Economic Security Ministers Takayuki Kobayashi and Sanae Takaichi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, and former LDP Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi.
All five candidates participated in last year's election, which had an unprecedented nine contenders, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
This election will center around critical issues such as collaborating with opposition parties, implementing economic strategies to combat rising prices, and revitalizing the party following a series of electoral setbacks and political funding controversies.
The registration for candidacies commenced at 10 a.m. local time at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo, where representatives of each candidate presented their required list of 20 endorsing lawmakers.
On Monday afternoon, candidates will present their speeches at the party headquarters, signaling the commencement of in-depth discussions.
According to the national broadcaster NHK, over 910,000 party members are expected to participate in the voting process this year.
A total of 590 votes will be cast, divided equally between votes from Diet members (295) and party members (295). The ballots from party members will be finalized the day before the lawmakers vote on October 4, after which both sets of votes will be counted together to determine the new party leader.
This month, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his intention to resign as the LDP head, prompting an early leadership election within the party.
Once a successor is appointed, the parliament will conduct a prime ministerial designation vote.
Despite the ruling coalition's inability to secure a majority in both parliamentary chambers, analysts suggest that the new LDP leader is likely to become the next Prime Minister due to the LDP's status as the largest party.
Point of View
This leadership race within the Liberal Democratic Party is a critical moment for Japan. With significant challenges ahead, including economic pressures and party unity, the new leader's decisions will shape the country's future. It's essential for the LDP to emerge strong and cohesive to navigate these turbulent times.
NationPress
22/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the candidates in the LDP leadership race?
The candidates include Shinjiro Koizumi, Takayuki Kobayashi, Sanae Takaichi, Yoshimasa Hayashi, and Toshimitsu Motegi.
When will the voting take place?
Voting is set to occur after the ballots from party members are finalized the day before lawmakers vote on October 4.
What issues will the LDP leadership race focus on?
The race will address issues such as economic measures against rising prices, cooperation with opposition parties, and rebuilding the party following recent scandals.
How many people will participate in the voting process?
Over 910,000 party members are expected to participate in the voting.
Who is stepping down as the LDP head?
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation as the head of the LDP, triggering this leadership contest.
