TOKYO, September 30 ------ Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba is set to become Japan's prime minister after winning a closely fought contest in his fifth and what he called final attempt to lead the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The 67-year-old political veteran prevailed over hard-line nationalist Sanae Takaichi in a run-off vote in what was one of the most unpredictable leadership elections in decades with a record nine candidates in the field.
The leader of the LDP, which has ruled Japan for almost all of the post-war era, is essentially assured of becoming the next premier because of its majority in parliament. A special session of parliament is scheduled for Tuesday to vote Ishiba into office. "We must believe in the people, speak the truth with courage and sincerity, and work together to make Japan a safe and secure country where everyone can live with a smile once again," an emotional Ishiba said in a speech to LDP lawmakers after the result.
The scramble to replace premier Fumio Kishida was sparked in August when he announced he would step down over a series of scandals that plunged the LDP's ratings to record lows. Ishiba, a self-proclaimed lone wolf whose contrarian views and spats with colleagues contributed to four previous failed leadership bids, has long been popular with the general public. But he said this was his "final battle". With the LDP facing a general election some time in the next 13 months, analysts said Ishiba's selection suggests some in the party appear to have put aside personal grievances to harness his public appeal. They have "gravitated towards a popular figure who does well in media appearances and isn't afraid to criticise his own party when he thinks they're in the wrong," said Jeffrey Hall, a lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies. The yen strengthened against the dollar following Ishiba's victory, reversing a fall on news he would face the run-off against Takaichi, a monetary dove and fiscal expansionist.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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