The Liberal Democratic Party’s presidential race is heating up as the top three candidates vie for votes from the party’s rank and file. The election is scheduled for September 27th. Recent polls conducted by Yomiuri Shimbun indicate that economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, former LDP Secretary General Shigeru Ishiba, and former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi have a high chance of reaching a runoff. All three candidates are strategizing to secure at least second place in the first-round voting to ensure their spot in the runoff.
Takaichi expressed her determination to win during a meeting with local LDP politicians in Kanazawa, urging them to help her secure the most votes from rank-and-file members. According to a Yomiuri Shimbun poll, Takaichi received support from 25% of respondents, placing her closely behind Ishiba who had 26% support. Combining these results with a survey of LDP Diet members showed that Takaichi and Ishiba were tied with 123 votes each.
Takaichi believes that winning over rank-and-file members is crucial since House of Representatives members are likely to vote for whoever receives the most support from this group if there is an early dissolution of the lower house.
Ishiba emphasized the importance for Diet members to explain their choice in the LDP presidential election as national elections approach. He finished sixth among Diet members when asked whom they would vote for but plans on working harder to gain their support through phone calls.
Koizumi held a campaign rally with supporters in Kanazawa and highlighted his ability to understand local assembly members’ feelings and opinions while managing the entire party. In an August opinion poll by Yomiuri Shimbun, Koizumi was favored as the best choice for LDP president among respondents supporting the party at 22%. However, some concerns have been raised within the party regarding his call for reviewing regulations on firing employees and allowing married couples separate family names.
Former Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ken Saito has joined Koizumi’s camp along with other experienced lawmakers who previously supported him. This diverse team aims to appeal to a wider range of people.
Former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi came fourth in recent polls but remains determined to deliver his message more forcefully within his limited time frame.
Ballots will be delivered soon as prepaid postcards so that rank-and-file members can cast their votes before September 26th deadline set by party headquarters.
