In the Liberal Democratic Party presidential election, which effectively determines Japan's next prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, former Minister in charge of Economic Security, and Shinjiro Koizumi, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, advanced to the runoff on October 4.
In the ruling Liberal Democratic Party presidential election in Japan, Sanae Takaichi, former Minister in charge of Economic Security (left), and Shinjiro Koizumi, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, are forming a two-horse race. Photo by Yonhap News
According to Yonhap News, the Liberal Democratic Party held the first round of voting for its 29th presidential election at the party headquarters in Tokyo that afternoon. In the first round, former Economic Security Minister Takaichi received 183 votes, while Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Koizumi received 164 votes, ranking first and second respectively. As none of the five candidates secured a majority of 295 votes, the top two candidates will compete in the runoff.
Minister Koizumi and former Minister Takaichi have been considered the two leading contenders in this election. Minister Koizumi, aiming to become the youngest prime minister in his 40s, is the second son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. His rival, former Minister Takaichi, is known for her staunch conservative stance and is often referred to as the 'female Abe,' as she seeks to become Japan's first female prime minister.
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