7-9-2024 (TOKYO) After five previous attempts, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba has finally secured the leadership of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), paving the way for his ascension to the role of Prime Minister. The seasoned politician emerged victorious in Friday’s LDP presidential election, triumphing over economic security minister Sanae Takaichi in a closely watched runoff vote.
Ishiba’s hard-fought victory saw him garner 215 votes in the final round, comprising 189 from LDP lawmakers and 26 from local party chapters. This decisive win came after an initial round of voting among nine candidates, where Ishiba secured 154 votes, propelling him into the runoff against Takaichi, who had initially led with 181 votes.
Long respected for his expertise in defence matters and his advocacy for regional revitalisation, Ishiba had consistently ranked highly in pre-election polls conducted by media outlets. Both the general public and LDP chapter members had expressed confidence in his ability to lead the party effectively.
However, Ishiba’s path to victory was far from smooth. As an outsider to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s inner circle, he had often found himself at odds with the party leadership, particularly in his criticism of Kishida’s handling of the recent political funds scandal that rocked several LDP factions. Moreover, he faced opposition from influential figures within the party, most notably LDP Vice President Taro Aso, who heads a 54-member faction and wields significant behind-the-scenes influence.
In a strategic move during the final days of the campaign, Ishiba made concerted efforts to bridge divides within the party. He expressed a willingness to continue Kishida’s fundamental economic policies and even arranged a meeting with Aso on Thursday night in an attempt to secure his support.
Ishiba brings a wealth of experience to his new role. A 12-term Lower House member representing the coastal prefecture of Tottori along the Sea of Japan, he first entered the chamber in 1986. His political career has seen him serve in several high-profile positions, including as head of the Defense Agency in 2002 under Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, and later as Defense Minister in 2007 when Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda elevated the agency to ministry status.
