Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba will become Japan's next prime minister. This comes after Ishiba won the vote to become leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has a parliamentary majority, AFP reports.
Ishiba, 67, defeated Sanae Takaichi, who could have been the first female prime minister in the country's history, in the second round of the race.
"I will do my best to believe in the people, to speak the truth boldly and sincerely, and to make this country a safe and secure place where everyone can live with a smile on their face again," Ishiba said after his victory was officially announced.
He has come close to the top job before, including in 2012 when he lost to nationalist Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest-serving leader, who was later assassinated.
The former war minister with a fondness for the pop idols of the 1970s argues that his experience in tackling difficult social issues, such as agricultural reforms, makes him suitable for the post.
The conservative LDP has ruled almost continuously for decades and has a majority, meaning Ishiba will be elected prime minister by parliament on October 1.
As prime minister, he will have to confront regional security threats ranging from an increasingly assertive China and deepening ties with Russia to North Korea's banned missile tests.
A record 9 candidates turned out for the first round of voting. This came after the LDP's longtime influential factions broke up earlier this year over a funding scandal.
LDP leaders hold office for three years and can serve up to three consecutive terms. The current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is not standing for re-election.
During his tenure, Kishida took steps to double Japan's defense spending, opening the door to military exports. This measure was a consequence of the LDP revising its pacifist postwar constitution.
Kishida welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the G7 summit in Hiroshima and strengthened Japan's often troubled ties with its neighbour South Korea. | BGNES
