Sanae Takaichi, 64, one of the most conservative members of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan, has been elected chairman. This means that she is likely to become prime minister – the first time in Japan’s history that this position will be held by a woman.
Voting was held in two rounds as none of the candidates managed to win a majority of votes.
According to The Japan Times, Takaichi defeated Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in the second round with 185 votes. Koizumi received 156 votes.
An extraordinary session of parliament to approve a new prime minister is expected to be called in mid-October.
Despite the LDP losing its majority in both houses of parliament, Takaichi is expected to be confirmed in office as opposition parties failed to rally around their candidate.
The election for party leader came after Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation after just one year in office.
One of Takaichi’s first official duties after being confirmed as prime minister will be to receive US President Donald Trump, who is reportedly due to visit Japan in late October.
The Liberal Democratic Party is Japan’s largest party. With only short interruptions (just four years), it has been in power since its founding in 1955. The Liberal Democrats’ ruling coalition with the Komeito Party has been in place since 2009.
Last year, the Liberal Democrats lost their majority in the lower house, but managed to stay in power with the help of their coalition partners.
In July this year, the LDP lost its majority in the House of Councillors as well, with analysts noting the electoral success of the far-right Sanseito party.