Japan's Lawmakers Pick Former Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba As Next PM

Following Fumio Kishida's unexpected resignation, Japan's ruling party chose former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba as its leader and also as the next new prime minister on Friday, September 27. The coalition led by Japan's ruling party - the Liberal Democratic Party - controls the parliament, making its leader the one to be on the top post.

Fumio Kishida's resignation came amid various corruption scandals and a sharp dip in his approval ratings.

Speaking at a televised press conference, the Japanese PM announced he would be stepping down as the party leader and prime minister in September to prove to the public that the ruling party "has changed".

Japan Picks New PM

Japan's ruling party on Friday picked former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba as leader. He will become prime minister next week. A total of nine candidates were eyeing for the top post in Japan.

With seven men and two women in the race, former defence minister Ishiba (67), national economic security minister Takaichi (63), and Koizumi (43) had emerged as the top candidates. Here is a look at the key candidates who were in fray

1. Shigeru Ishiba - Ishiba has served in key roles in the Japanese government such as defence minister and agricultural minister. Known for his expertise in defense and security, Ishiba aims to bring about progressive reforms in Japan such as legalising same-sex marriage.

2. Shinjiro Koizumi - Son of former PM Junichiro Koizumi, Shinjiro Koizumi is one of the youngest candidates in the race. With eyes on flexible labour markets, gender equality and climate change, Koizumi was also pushing for better ties with the US and South Korea as part of a united front against China.

3. Sanae Takaichi - Takaichi is considered to be former PM Shinzo Abe's protege. With her aim to become Japan's first female prime minister, the conservative leader has come to be known for her hardline views on national security. However, despite her popularity, Takaichi's opposition towards same-sex marriage and gender reforms have drawn criticism.

Other candidates include -

1. Yoshimasa Hayashi - a close ally of PM Kishida and former foreign minister

2. Yoko Kamikawa - the current foreign minister, also aiming to become Japan's first female PM.

3. Taro Kono - current digital minister

4. Takayuki Kobayashi - former economic security minister

5. Toshimitsu Motegi - LDP Secretary-General

6. Katsunobu Kato - former health minister and Shinzo Abe-ally

What Is The Voting Process

The vote for the next prime minister and LDP leader included only lawmakers from the ruling party, which forms less than one percent of eligible voters in Japan.

No candidate was expected to secure a majority in the first round due to split votes. Hence, the voting was likely to be extended into a runoff which will decide who will become the next prime minister of Japan.

With the voting now concluding, Kishida will resign from his post on October 1. The new leader - Shigeru Ishiba - will form a new cabinet after securing parliamentary approval for the same.

While Japan is scheduled for elections in October 2025, the change in leadership may trigger early elections in the country.