Ldp Chooses Scaled - Down Election Over Regular Race
Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party has decided to exclude rank-and-file voters from voting in its presidential election. Three likely contenders have emerged…the government's top spokesperson Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide, LDP policy chief Kishida Fumio and the party's former secretary general, Ishiba Shigeru.
Suga is the first to gain support from large party factions, and is expected to announce his candidacy on Wednesday. But so far, he's stayed quiet publically when it comes to his intentions.
Suga said, "This is a place where I explain the government's view. I would like to refrain from commenting on the presidential election of the LDP, including my own involvement."
Suga's nearly 8-year tenure as Chief Cabinet Secretary in Abe's administration could give him an edge over his rivals. He's expected to continue Abe's policies, especially regarding coronavirus measures…a consistency that's seen by many as his strongest asset.
On Monday night, Abe's former faction- which is the party's largest -threw their weight behind Suga.
Meanwhile, Kishida met with Abe Monday to ask for his backing ? but downplayed the conversation to reporters.
Kishida said, "It was just a greeting. There's nothing new. I just exchanged greetings once again to ask for his endorsement. Um...I mean, I'm going to. That's all. "
On Tuesday, Kishida formally announced his intentions at a meeting of his faction.
Kishida said, "For the Japanese people and for my country, I am willing to do everything needed. I would like to ask for your support."
The final potential candidate, Ishiba, was pushing hardest for a regular open election rather than a scaled-down version the party ultimately decided on.
Ishiba, who is popular with the rank-and-file and general public, would have likely benefitted from a regular election in which all LDP party lawmakers plus an equal number of members nationwide vote.
Ishiba said, "It's important that rank-and-file members vote, so that the new leader takes over the reins of government after Abe with a strong mandate."
Once the new party president is chosen, Japan could hold an extraordinary Diet session in mid-September to elect the country's new prime minister.
Because the LDP holds a majority of the seats in the Diet, their pick for party president will take on the government's top role too.
