TOKYO – Japan’s ruling party will vote on September 14 on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s replacement, an official confirmed Wednesday, as powerful chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga consolidated his frontrunner status in the race.
A vote in parliament – expected to endorse the Liberal Democratic Party’s new leader – is likely to follow on September 16.
The new prime minister will face a raft of challenges, from the coronavirus pandemic to a tanking economy, as well as ensuring the postponed Tokyo Olympic Games can go ahead.
Key LDP factions have already thrown their support behind Suga, who is expected to formally announce his candidacy.
Two other candidates, former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba and LDP policy chief Fumio Kishida, have so far announced plans to stand.
Abe, Japan’s longest-serving leader, kicked off the race when he said last week he would step down over health problems. (AFP)
