Former Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba is set to become Japan’s prime minister after winning a closely fought contest on Friday in his fifth and what he called final attempt to lead the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
The 67-year-old political veteran prevailed over hard-line nationalist Sanae Takaichi in a run-off vote in what was one of the most unpredictable leadership elections in decades with a record nine candidates in the field.
The leader of the LDP, which has ruled Japan for almost all of the post-war era, is essentially assured of becoming the next premier because of its majority in parliament. A special session of parliament is scheduled for Tuesday to vote Ishiba into office.
“We must believe in the people, speak the truth with courage and sincerity, and work together to make Japan a safe and secure country where everyone can live with a smile once again,” an emotional Ishiba said in a speech to LDP lawmakers after the result.
Ishiba, a self-proclaimed lone wolf whose contrarian views and spats with colleagues contributed to four previous failed leadership bids, has long been popular with the general public. But he said this was his “final battle”.
With the LDP facing an general election some time in the next 13 months, analysts said Ishiba’s selection suggests some in the party appear to have put aside personal grievances to harness his public appeal.
They have “gravitated towards a popular figure who does well in media appearances and isn’t afraid to criticise his own party when he thinks they’re in the wrong,” said Jeffrey Hall, a lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies.