Japan‘s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is preparing for its upcoming presidential election, which is expected to take place on either September 20 or September 27. The final decision will be made on Tuesday, and the election must occur between September 20 and 29.
The LDP has decided to have a longer campaign period than usual in order to facilitate in-depth debates among the candidates and ensure transparency in the selection of the new party leader. According to the LDP’s rules, the campaign period must last at least 12 days, although exceptions can be made. For instance, when Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigned in 2020, Yoshihide Suga became the party leader after a six-day campaign. However, most recent campaigns have lasted around 12 or 13 days. This time, there are discussions about extending it to approximately 15 days.
Throughout the campaign period, candidates will travel across Japan delivering speeches and participating in discussion groups where they will vigorously debate policies. The LDP aims to increase media coverage of its candidates as part of an effort to regain voters’ trust that has been eroded by several LDP factions violating political funding laws.
Following the election, a new cabinet will be formed and LDP executives will be appointed. There is also speculation about potentially dissolving the House of Representatives for a general election. Additionally, it is likely that a draft supplementary budget will be created to address rising living costs.
There are considerations regarding when exactly to hold the election as it could impact other political events scheduled around that time. If held on September 20, it would provide more flexibility for autumn political activities; however, if held on September 27, it would coincide with the leadership election of Japan’s Constitutional Democratic Party on September 23. Some members of the LDP are concerned that this overlap could divert public attention from their own party’s vote.
On September 24th at U.N General Assembly in New York City high-level general debate is set commence along with plans for talks between leaders from Quad nations (Japan,the United States ,India,and Australia). If held on Septemeber27th current president Fumio Kishida would attend these events but newly elected leader might find fulfilling diplomatic responsibilities challenging since appointment wouldn’t happen until extraordinary Diet session starting week beginning Septemeber24th or later . So Kishida might still go even after new leader has been chosen which hasn’t happened since year2000 making his visit quite unusual