Shigeru Ishiba Set to Become Japan’s Next Prime Minister Following Ruling Party Vote, Reports Reuters

TOKYO (Reuters) – Former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba has emerged victorious in the race to lead Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Friday, positioning him to succeed incumbent Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

The winner of the LDP’s leadership election is typically assured of becoming prime minister, given the party’s dominance in the lower house of parliament.

Ishiba, known for his expertise in security matters, triumphed over Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi in a runoff election, following a first round of voting in which none of the nine candidates secured a majority.