Japan's new prime minister announced: Will lead the country until early elections

In Japan, Shigeru Ishiba, the new leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), was elected as the country's prime minister in an extraordinary session held in the House of Representatives.

During the session held in the House of Representatives (Shugiin), the lower house of the Japanese Parliament, a vote was conducted for assembly members to elect the country's new prime minister.

Shigeru Ishiba became Japan's 102nd prime minister by receiving 291 votes in the 465-seat Shugiin, which is dominated by his party, the LDP, and its partner, Komeito.

Shigeru had previously made headlines with his 'distinctive' costume choices during his campaign for the parliamentary elections.

Nine candidates, including two women, participated in the LDP leadership election held last week. The highest number of candidates in the LDP since the 1970s had drawn attention. In the election that went to a second round, Ishiba defeated his female rival Sanae Takaichi to be elected as the new LDP leader.

Preparing to announce his new cabinet, Ishiba will begin his duties with a ceremony to be held at the Imperial Palace.

Ishiba is expected to carry out his duties until the early general elections planned to be held on October 27.

Shigeru Ishiba, who was elected Prime Minister of Japan

WHY DID THE PREVIOUS PRIME MINISTER RESIGN?

LDP leader and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced in August that he would resign, citing that a political donation fund scandal within the party had shaken public trust in politics.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who took office in October 2021, had decided not to participate in last week's LDP elections.

Prime Minister Kishida and his cabinet resigned this morning.

Former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida

News Source: AA