Rama Krishna Sangem
67 year old former banker Shigeru Ishiba has won the leadership election of Japan’s governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and is set to become the country’s next prime minister. He is known to be anti China and strong advocate of huge defence budget for Japan.
The former defence minister, prevailed on September 27 Friday in a tight contest, defeating Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, 63, in a run-off after none of the nine candidates won a majority in the first round of voting earlier in the day. The final count was 215-194.
“This is a remarkable victory for Ishiba, who is considered a veteran of the LDP,” said Al Jazeera’s Rob McBride, reporting from Tokyo. “This is his fifth attempt trying to get the LDP’s top job.”
Takaichi would have become Japan’s first female prime minister if she had won the leadership race. She’s a fairly renowned, right-wing and hawkish figure, she would have made history not only in the LDP, but also Japan as [the country’s] first woman prime minister,” said McBride, reporting from outside parliament.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced his decision to resign in August amid a series of corruption scandals within the LDP, the largest party in parliament.
The party’s majority in the legislature means the winner of the leadership race is certain to be formally elected as the 65th prime minister by parliament on October 1. Ishiba is popular with the public but has ffailed four times to secure the LDP’s top job.
Safe country, stable economy
In brief comments made to lawmakers before the run-off, Ishiba called for a fairer and kinder Japan and tears welled in his eyes after the final results were read out failed four times to secure the LDP’s top job.
I will do my utmost to believe in the people, to speak the truth with courage and sincerity, and to make this country a safe and secure place where everyone can live with a smile on their face once again,” he said in a short speech.
Ishiba’s campaign focused heavily on security issues, and he has indicated he will push for more oversight over the United States’s use of its bases in Japan.
“He is seen as a defence expert. He has proposed the establishment of an Asian-style NATO. And he is likely to continue with a more assertive Japan on the international stage,” said Al Jazeera’s McBride.
Following the result, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Beijing wants to improve ties with Japan, because “the long-term, sound and steady development of China-Japan relations serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples.” Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said, “It’s the only appropriate choice.”
