Japan's ruling party chooses successor to Prime Minister Kishida

tokyo - Japan's ruling party, the LDP, has chosen former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba as the new party leader. If approved by parliament on Tuesday, he will succeed Fumio Kishida as Japan's new prime minister.

Japan's ruling party, the LDP, has elected Shigeru Ishiba, a former Defense Minister, as its new leader. If parliament approves his appointment on Tuesday, he will become Japan's new prime minister, replacing Fumio Kishida.

The 67-year-old Ishiba won the final round of voting with 215 votes, defeating Sanae Takaichi, who received 194 votes. Takaichi could have been Japan's first female prime minister.

Upon hearing the news of his election, Ishiba was moved to tears and pledged to do his 'utmost' to 'believe in the people, speak the truth with courage and sincerity, and make this country a safe place where everyone can live with a smile.'

The conservative LDP has dominated the political scene in East Asia for decades and holds a majority in parliament. Ishiba's appointment as prime minister is highly likely to be approved. It is expected that he will soon call for new elections to strengthen his mandate.

The current prime minister, Kishida, has lost popularity and decided not to seek re-election. The party has been plagued by scandals in recent years, and many Japanese are dissatisfied with the rising cost of living.

Ishiba has been close to becoming prime minister before. In 2012, he lost the party election to nationalist Shinzo Abe. Known for speaking out against previous leaders, Ishiba is seen as more moderate than his challenger Takaichi. He, for example, supports a progressive bill that would allow married couples to keep different surnames.