Representatives from the three camps are filling out paperwork at the party headquarters to launch their official campaigns.

The race will likely focus on how much each candidate would stick with Abe's policies, including on the coronavirus, the economic fallout, and revitalizing rural areas.

Ishiba Shigeru is running to be party leader for the fourth time. The former LDP Secretary-General and defense minister has long been seen as Abe's rival.

Ishiba says he would improve living standards in rural areas by creating jobs and raising incomes.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide has been one of Abe's closest aides. He has served as the top government spokesperson throughout Abe's nearly 8 years in office.

Suga is promising to continue Abe's policies. That includes his goal of containing the new coronavirus, while maintaining economic activity.

LDP policy chief Kishida Fumio says he would promote economic policies prioritizing middle-income earners.

He is also pledging to use his experience as a former foreign minister to put Japan's technology and culture at the center of the country's diplomacy.

535 votes will decide the winner next Monday.

394 of those will be cast by party lawmakers. The remainder will come from representatives of local LDP chapters, which have three votes each.

The party will announce the new president later the same day.