The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan has launched its presidential election, a historic event marked by an unprecedented number of candidates. With nine individuals vying for the position, the election is expected to reshape the country’s political landscape, potentially leading to Japan’s youngest and first female prime minister.
The Candidates and their Backgrounds
The candidates for the LDP presidency are a mix of seasoned politicians and fresh faces. Among the most prominent figures are former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, former Environment Minister Shigeo Kajiyama, incumbent Minister of Economic Security Takemi Inada, and incumbent Minister of Digital Affairs Taro Kono.
Shigeru Ishiba, 67, is no stranger to the political scene. With a career spanning 38 years, he has experience in various fields including agriculture, security, and regional revitalization. Ishiba has served as the Secretary-General of the LDP and the Chairman of the Policy Research Committee, earning him the nickname policy man. According to a recent NHK poll, 28% of the public supports Ishiba for the presidency.
Kajiyama, 43, is the son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. Like his father, Kajiyama has been vocal about reforming the Japanese political landscape and addressing long-standing issues. He is particularly popular among young people and women, and is seen as the second-most favored candidate by LDP supporters. If elected, Kajiyama would become Japan’s youngest prime minister.
Takemi Inada, 63, is a prominent figure in the right-wing political scene. This is her second attempt at the presidency, and she aims to become Japan’s first female prime minister. As a disciple of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Inada was heavily relied upon during his tenure. She advocates for revising Japan’s peace constitution and is a frequent visitor to the Yasukuni Shrine.
Taro Kono, 61, is the son of former Prime Minister Yosuke Kono. He has held various positions, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defense. Like Ishiba, Kono has a wealth of experience in various fields and enjoys strong support from the LDP grassroots.
The Political Landscape
The LDP presidential election comes at a time when the party is facing internal challenges. The recent scandal involving secret funds and kickbacks has significantly damaged the party’s public image. As a result, several factions within the party have decided to dissolve, allowing members to support candidates independently.
The election is scheduled for September 27, with counting to take place on the same day. According to the election rules, 367 LDP members of parliament will cast their votes, while local politicians, ordinary party members, and registered supporters will have their votes converted into 367 votes. The candidate with the majority of votes will be declared the winner.
Predictions and Implications
Analysts predict that the new LDP president will likely continue the policies of former Prime Ministers Shinzo Abe and Fumio Kishida. A survey by Reuters found that Japanese businesses believe the new prime minister’s top economic priority should be addressing rising prices, followed by fiscal reform.
The new prime minister may also follow in the footsteps of Kishida and dissolve the House of Representatives for an early election. The next general election may be held on October 27.
The LDP presidential election is a crucial event that could lead to significant changes in Japan’s political landscape. The outcome of the election will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers as they seek to understand the future direction of Japanese politics.
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