Former Japanese Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi was elected leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Saturday following a runoff election against Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi.
She will replace current party leader Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned in September, and is almost certain to become Japan’s next prime minister, as the LDP remains the largest faction in the Diet.
In the first round, 295 LDP lawmakers and 295 ordinary members voted. Takaichi garnered 183 votes and advanced to the runoff alongside Koizumi, who received 164 votes.
In the runoff, 295 members of the Diet and 47 ordinary party members, each representing a Japanese prefecture, voted. Takaichi garnered 185 votes, defeating Koizumi, who received 156 votes.
