Former defense chief Ishiba wins Japan's ruling party leadership

Former Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba the new leader of Japans ruling party Liberal Democratic Partys leader speaks during a joint news conference at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo before his election Sept 13 2024 AFP-Yonhap — Former Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba speaks during a joint news conference at the Liberal Democratic Party's headquarters in Tokyo, Sept. 13, 2024. AFP-Yonhap

SEOUL, September 27 (AJP) - Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba clinched victory in Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election on Friday.

He secured 215 votes against Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi's 194 in a tight runoff. The win positions Ishiba to become Japan's next prime minister, potentially signaling shifts in the country's economic and security policies.

The closely watched race featured a diverse field of candidates, including former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, Digital Minister Taro Kono, and former Health Minister Katsunobu Kato.

Ishiba's victory came after a dramatic turnaround, having trailed Takaichi by 27 votes in the initial nine-candidate contest.

Ishiba is set to select new LDP executives on Monday and form his Cabinet after an anticipated confirmation as prime minister during an extraordinary Diet session beginning Tuesday.

AJP

Former defense chief Ishiba wins Japan's ruling party leadership

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