Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, and Shinjiro Koizumi, son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, have emerged as frontrunners in the contest. However, no candidate is expected to secure an outright majority in the initial round of voting.
The new LDP leader will face immediate challenges, including revitalizing Japan's sluggish economy and addressing security concerns posed by neighboring countries. The outcome of this election is crucial as the party seeks to rebuild its credibility before an anticipated general election.
The leadership election comes just days after the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDJP) elected former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda as its leader. The LDP vote will involve 736 ballots, equally split between the party's lawmakers and rank-and-file members.
The winner of the LDP leadership race is likely to become Japan's next prime minister, given the party's majority in parliament. All leading candidates have indicated they may call for a snap election by year-end, potentially reshaping Japan's political landscape in the near future.
