The party members are casting their ballots at a Tokyo hotel. The party president chosen will almost certainly win a vote in the Diet to make him the next Prime Minister. He will take over from Abe Shinzo, who is stepping down because of health issues.

Three veteran politicians are vying for leadership: Former LDP Secretary-General Ishiba Shigeru, Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide, and LDP policy chief Kishida Fumio.

The candidates are aiming for a simple majority of 535 votes.

As NHK has been reporting, Suga held a comfortable lead throughout the campaign.

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