Japan to hold leadership vote on Sept 14; favourite Ishiba urges closer ties with Asia

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Shigeru Ishiba speaking during an interview with the media at his office in Tokyo, Japan, on Monday (August 31, 2020). - Reuters

TOKYO, Aug 31 (Reuters): Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) plans to hold a leadership vote on Sept 14 to replace Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is stepping down due to ill health, local media reported on Monday.

The new party leader will become the country’s next prime minister, due to the party’s parliamentary majority. Four possible candidates are vying for the position.