Japan's ruling LDP picks new leader in poll that will decide country's future

The candidates are (from left) vaccination minister Taro Kono, former foreign minister Fumio Kishida, former internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi, and LDP executive acting secretary-general Seiko Noda. - Reuters

TOKYO (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will choose its new leader on Wednesday (Sept 29) in a poll that will have important ramifications for the country's future.

Whoever wins in the race to succeed Yoshihide Suga will likely be sworn in as Japan's 100th Prime Minister when Parliament convenes on Oct 4. The LDP coalition has a majority in both the Lower and Upper Houses, making the Diet process all but a formality.