Yoshihide Suga is favored to become the next leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). (Image via Unseen Japan)

NHK: LDP backs Suga's step to PM's seat

As reported by NHK on Tuesday, the chief cabinet secretary and Japanese government top spokesperson, Yoshihide Suga, won the majority of votes to lead the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP); thus, making him the most likely candidate to run for the PM post. On 28 August 2020, the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe announced his resignation due to his health condition.

Becoming the leader of LDP means a certain grip over the PM position as LDP holds the majority in the lower house parliament. Holding the position as Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary and Abe’s right-hand man, Suga is expected to continue what Abe’s works in strengthening Japan’s economy amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemics. Many actually support Suga for the seat as he is one of the keys to Abe’s successful tenure as PM and LDP’s leader. Previously, Suga did not publicly announce his intention to run for the LDP’s leader position. Yet, he did intend to announce it on Wednesday.

LDP’s Secretary-General, Toshihiro Nikai, stated that the format for LDP’s leader election would be simplified. Various formats, including limited votes, actually make way for Suga. However, the final decision is delayed due to the opposition coming from LDP’s own members.

Younger LDP’s legislators demand Nikai to include full-scale election. The main candidate competing against Suga, Shigeru Ishiba, also stated that he is against the limited-votes format as it does not reflect democracy. LDP assured that the delay will not be for long to avoid a political vacuum in Japan. LDP is expected to hold the election on 14 September.

Source: https://bit.ly/3gRx7kS