Candidates in the upcoming leadership race for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) join hands after giving speeches for the Liberal Democratic Party presidential election in Osaka, Japan on September 18, 2024.
Japan's ruling party will elect the successor to outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Friday in a race likely to decide the next leader of the nation.
Kishida had thrown the Liberal Democratic Party for a loop when he announced in August that he would not be running for its top office, effectively ending his three-year term.
The party has a majority in both chambers of the legislature, effectively ensuring its chief becomes the next prime minister.
Polls suggest that the favorites in the election include ex-environment minister Shinjiro Koizumi, economic security minister Sanae Takaichi and former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba.
Persons:
Japan's, Fumio Kishida, Kishida, Shinjiro Koizumi, Sanae Takaichi, Shigeru Ishiba
Organizations:
Liberal Democratic Party, Liberal Democratic
Locations:
Osaka, Japan