ISLAMABAD (TDI): A crucial election within Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is scheduled for Friday, electing the nation’s next prime minister.
While the vote will officially select a new party leader, the winner is expected to assume office when current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida steps down on Tuesday, following a series of corruption scandals that have affected his administration.
Japan’s LDP Elections
A record nine lawmakers, including two women, are competing for the leadership role.
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The election is limited to LDP members of parliament and about 1 million dues-paying party members, representing just 1% of eligible voters.
Historically, faction leaders have played a significant role in influencing election outcomes.
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However, following the recent scandals, nearly all of the party’s six factions have announced their dissolution, which may shift the dynamics of this election.
Experts warn that the absence of factional support for the new leader could lead to a return to the political instability seen in the early 2000s, marked by frequent changes in leadership.
