Shigeru Ishiba, the former defense minister, emerged as the winner of the ruling party’s leadership vote on Friday, as confirmed by the official count.
Beating out arch-nationalist Sanae Takaichi in a run-off, Ishiba, aged 67, is set to become Japan’s next prime minister.
After his victory was announced at the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) headquarters in Tokyo, Ishiba emotionally wiped his teary eyes, expressing his commitment to serving the people with honesty and sincerity.
Having previously come close to winning the top position, Ishiba’s experience in addressing challenging social issues like agriculture reforms has been cited as a strong qualification for the role.
Amidst growing public discontent with the LDP due to scandals, Ishiba’s reputation for fairness is expected to work in his favor.
The conservative party, which has maintained power for decades, holds the majority, ensuring Ishiba’s election as premier by parliament on Tuesday.
As the new prime minister, Ishiba will face significant tasks such as addressing regional security threats and revitalizing the economy.
During the first round of voting, nine candidates were in the running after the disbandment of the LDP’s powerful factions earlier this year due to a funding scandal.
Takaichi, a vocal nationalist popular among the LDP’s conservative wing, placed second, followed by former environment minister Shinjiro Koizumi in third place.
The LDP follows a term limit of three years for its leaders, with the possibility of serving up to three consecutive terms.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who did not seek re-election, faced criticism over rising prices and declining poll ratings during his term.
Despite Kishida’s efforts to strengthen Japan’s defense and improve diplomatic relations, his tenure was marred by scandals and public dissatisfaction.
As Japan awaits Ishiba’s leadership, concerns regarding defense spending, diplomatic priorities, and policies for seniors remain at the forefront of public discourse.
The LDP’s dominance in Japanese politics has resulted in limited viable alternatives from opposition parties.
The party seeks to revise the country’s pacifist post-war constitution and expand military capabilities, reflecting its commitment to national security in a changing geopolitical landscape.
With Ishiba’s upcoming premiership, Japan anticipates a new chapter in its political landscape, marked by challenges and opportunities alike.
