Shigeru Ishiba emerges as frontrunner for Japanese Prime Minister after winning ruling party election | Elections Update

Shigeru Ishiba, a former defence minister, has won the leadership election of Japan’s governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and is set to become the country’s next prime minister, defeating Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi in a tight contest. Ishiba’s victory comes amidst a series of corruption scandals within the LDP, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in August. Ishiba is popular with the public and has proposed initiatives on security issues and the economy, including more oversight over U.S. bases in Japan and questioning the Bank of Japan’s interest rate policy. Ishiba is known for his fair and square attitude, with a focus on creating a fairer and kinder Japan and addressing rural depopulation. As a defense expert, he has proposed an Asian-style NATO and a more assertive Japan on the international stage. Ishiba’s victory signals a potential change within the LDP, as he is seen as a maverick and change agent. The LDP, which has governed Japan almost uninterrupted for decades, will now have Ishiba leading them as they navigate regional security threats and work to boost the economy amidst changing monetary policies. Ishiba’s win is significant in Japanese politics and will see him officially elected as the 65th prime minister by parliament on October 1.

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