Ldp Leadership Contenders Seek Local Support
On the first weekend since they announced their candidacy in the race to lead Japan's main governing Liberal Democratic Party, the three lawmakers reached out to local party members for their support.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide has already picked up support from most of the party's largest factions. He returned to his electoral district in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Suga said, "I will protect the lives, livelihoods, and health of the people by preventing the coronavirus from spreading at any cost. I will also create a society in which economic activity and infection prevention can coexist.
LDP policy chief and former foreign minister Kishida Fumio visited the LDP chapter in Yamanashi Prefecture, where he met party members of the prefectural assembly.
Kishida said, "A leader needs to listen to the voices of many people. I want to become such a leader."
Former LDP secretary-general Ishiba Shigeru visited the city of Fukuoka. He appeared on a television program of a private broadcaster to seek support.
Ishiba said, "I have talked with people in various areas. I need to convey what I really want to speak about."
Their election campaigns will officially start on Tuesday.
Three-hundred-ninety-four LDP lawmakers will vote to choose the new leader on September 14.
Local chapters representing the country's 47 prefectures will each have three votes.
Two days later, the new party president will virtually be assured to win a vote on the premiership in the Diet, as it's controlled by an LDP-led coalition.
