The race to lead Japan’s main governing Liberal Democratic Party has officially kicked off. Nine people are running, a record high under the current system. The winner is expected to become the country’s next prime minister.
The candidates are: Economic Security Minister Takaichi Sanae, Former Economic Security Minister Kobayashi Takayuki, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa, Former Environment Minister Koizumi Shinjiro, Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko, Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato Katsunobu, Digital Transformation Minister Kono Taro, Former LDP Secretary-General Ishiba Shigeru, and current Secretary-General Motegi Toshimitsu.
LDP Diet members and rank-and-file party members across the country are eligible to cast their ballot. Vote counting will take place September 27.