POLITICS
Race to succeed Japan’s Suga
September 29, 2021 - The ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Japan is to elect its new leader following Yoshihide Suga’s decision to step down. The successful candidate will lead the world’s third-largest economy.
The race to become Japan's next prime minister has set up the most unpredictable contest of the past 15 years, with candidates facing challenges over income disparity, the coronavirus pandemic, climate change and a region increasingly dominated by China.
The election is an internal battle within the Liberal Democratic Party, between Taro Kono, a U.S.-educated champion of deregulation, Fumio Kishida, a sceptic of neoliberal policies and two female politicians, Sanae Takaichi and Seiko Noda, hoping to become the first woman to take the top job.
If no candidate secures a majority in the first round, the two top finishers will face a runoff held on the same day.