Former Interior Minister Sanae Takaichi has won the leadership race for Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), defeating Agriculture Minister Shinjirō Koizumi in a runoff vote. The victory paves the way for her to become Japan’s first female Prime Minister.
According to Kyodo News, Takaichi, 64, secured 185 votes in the second round, surpassing Koizumi’s 156. She succeeds outgoing party leader and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned last month. She is the first woman ever to lead the LDP.
Takaichi’s rise marks a historic moment in Japanese politics. She is expected to be formally appointed Prime Minister in the coming days.
