Japan LDP Plans New Leader Election October 4 After PM Ishiba Resigns

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is set to elect a new leader on October 4, following the resignation of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba after significant election setbacks. Ishiba, who took over the party leadership in October 2024, stepped down amid criticism of his leadership and pressures from poor electoral performance. The new leader is expected to become Japan's next prime minister, as the LDP remains the dominant party in parliament despite rising public dissatisfaction and scandals involving lawmakers. Candidates in the leadership race include former diplomat Toshimitsu Motegi, former economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, and agriculture minister Shinjiro Koizumi. The upcoming election is seen as a critical opportunity for the LDP to reform itself and address pressing challenges such as Japan's aging population, large national debt, and economic difficulties exacerbated by inflation. Meanwhile, the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan is also reorganizing its leadership to strengthen its position ahead of upcoming elections.