Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) kicked off its internal election on Saturday, as lawmakers and party members prepare to choose who will helm the party—and most likely the country—this year. Five candidates are vying for the top job: former Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi; Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi; Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi; and former economic security ministers Sanae Takaichi and Takayuki Kobayashi.
The first round features 590 votes, split evenly between the LDP’s 295 lawmakers and 295 seats allocated to rank-and-file members and registered supporters. A candidate needs an outright majority—at least 296 votes—to win on the spot. If no one reaches that threshold, the two highest scorers will go head-to-head in a runoff.
This contest follows last year’s record nine-candidate race, narrowing the field to contenders who have built strong networks within the party. Analysts say the winner could shift Japan’s policy direction on key issues like digital transformation, green growth targets and engagement with global trade partners.
Once the LDP picks a new president, the Diet (parliament) will vote on the prime ministerial designation. Despite losing its outright majority in both chambers, the LDP remains the largest party, making its leader the frontrunner to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
With Japan accounting for over 5% of global GDP and serving as a major hub for technology and trade, the outcome will reverberate through markets and diplomatic circles. The tight vote underscores the balancing act between party unity and competing visions for Japan’s next chapter.
Results are expected by the end of the day, setting the stage for the new leader to step into the prime minister’s office and guide Japan through economic, energy and diplomatic challenges.
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Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party begins voting for new leader
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