Shinzo Ishiba, who won the presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Japan, was elected as the country’s 102nd prime minister in a parliamentary vote. Ishiba received 291 out of 461 votes in today’s session, taking his place in the prime minister’s seat. The announcement of the names to be included in the new cabinet is expected in the coming hours.

After Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida officially resigned today, citing a decline in public support for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the country’s new prime minister was revealed.

Shinzo Ishiba, who won the LDP presidential election last week, was elected as Japan’s new prime minister in a parliamentary session today, receiving 291 out of 461 votes.

Ishiba, who is expected to announce the names to be included in the new cabinet in the coming hours, will take office after a ceremony at the Japan Imperial Palace.

RULING PARTY WENT TO ELECTION

The LDP in power in Japan had come under scrutiny due to its connections with the Unification Church implicated in the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and allegations of donation corruption, as polls showed dwindling confidence in the party.

LDP President and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had decided to resign, citing the decline in public support for the party.

Shinzo Ishiba, who won the leadership race in the LDP last Friday, had earned the position as Japan’s new prime minister.

EARLY ELECTION ANNOUNCEMENT MADE

After winning the party leadership race in the LDP, Ishiba had said in a statement that they would go to an early election, stating, “I believe it is important for the new administration to be evaluated by the people as soon as possible. If all conditions are suitable, we want to hold a general election on October 27.”

Ishiba’s announcement of an early election before officially taking over the prime ministerial seat had caused some backlash among certain groups.

KNOWN AS AN EXPERIENCED POLITICIAN

Born in Tottori Prefecture, Japan in 1957, Shinzo Ishiba graduated from the Keio University Law Faculty in 1979.

After a brief banking career that lasted until 1983, Ishiba entered politics and was first elected as a member of the House of Representatives in 1986.

Throughout his political career, Ishiba held significant positions such as Minister of Defense, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party’s Policy Research Council, and Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party. He succeeded in becoming the LDP President on his 5th attempt.

Known as an expert in national security policies, Ishiba is known to have a keen interest in warplanes and trains.