Sep 30 (South China Morning Post) - Former foreign minister Fumio Kishida was elected to lead Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in a run-off vote on September 29, 2021.
His victory virtually ensures that Kishida will succeed Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in the post since the LDP holds a majority in the country’s parliament. Kishida was one of four candidates vying to replace the current prime minister, who will stand down in October. Kishida defeated popular candidate, vaccine minister Taro Kono, and two female candidates, Sanae Takaichi and Seiko Noda. This year's LDP election saw the first women in 13 years seeking party leadership.
