Tokyo: Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) elected former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi as its new leader on Saturday, positioning her to become the nation’s first female prime minister.

Takaichi defeated Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in a runoff after both candidates fell short of a majority in the first round of intraparty voting. She secured 183 votes, while Koizumi gained 164, before prevailing in the final round.

The leadership election was triggered by the resignation of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. As the LDP remains the largest party in Japan’s lower house, its leader is virtually assured of becoming the next prime minister. A parliamentary vote to confirm the appointment is expected in mid-October.

Five candidates, including Takaichi, Koizumi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, Trade Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and Economic Minister Takayuki Kobayashi, had initially contested the leadership. Early polls suggested Koizumi and Takaichi were the front-runners.

Despite recent setbacks that left the LDP in the minority in both houses of parliament, the party still holds a dominant position compared to a fragmented opposition. Analysts believe Takaichi will need to build alliances, potentially expanding the coalition with the centrist Komeito and reaching out to moderate opposition groups.

Takaichi, a hardline conservative, represents a historic shift in Japanese politics as she could become the first woman to assume the premiership. Koizumi, her rival, would have been the youngest prime minister in more than a century had he won.

The new leader will face pressing challenges, including rising prices, calls for higher wages, defence reforms, and an impending diplomatic test: a possible late-October summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, who is expected to press Japan to boost defence spending during his visit to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea.

During campaigning, all five candidates pledged economic reforms and stronger defence policies but steered clear of divisive social issues such as gender equality, same-sex marriage, and historical disputes. They also avoided addressing the party’s political funds scandal, which has eroded public trust.

Experts say Takaichi’s ability to regain credibility for the LDP will be crucial as she steps into her new leadership role. Her election marks both a political milestone and a moment of heightened scrutiny as Japan navigates domestic challenges and international pressures under new leadership.
(With AP inputs)