Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Wins LDP Leadership, Set to Become First Female Prime Minister

Tokyo – Former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi was elected leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Saturday and is poised to become the country’s first female Prime Minister on October 15.

Takaichi secured 185 votes in a runoff against Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who received 156, after no candidate achieved a majority in the initial round. In the first round, Takaichi led with 183 votes — 64 from party lawmakers and 119 from rank-and-file members — while Koizumi garnered 164 votes, including 80 from lawmakers and 84 from party members, according to The Japan Times.

The leadership contest, triggered by LDP President Shigeru Ishiba’s resignation last month, featured five candidates vying to become party chief and, effectively, Japan’s next prime minister. Alongside Takaichi and Koizumi, contenders included former LDP Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, and Takayuki Kobayashi.

The 590-vote first round split equally between LDP lawmakers and party members, reflecting both internal party dynamics and grassroots support. Key issues debated during the race included cooperation with opposition parties, strategies to address rising living costs, and rebuilding public trust after successive election losses and political funding scandals.

Facing years of sluggish growth, inflationary pressures, and a weakened yen, Takaichi’s challenge is formidable. Analysts say her priority will be to unify a divided party, manage minority rule, and convince a skeptical electorate that the LDP remains capable of providing stable governance.

With nputs from IANS