Sanae Takaichi is poised to become Japan’s first female prime minister after the right-wing Japan Innovation Party, Ishin, signaled its support, Reuters reported Monday.
Ishin co-leader and Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura said, “I told Takaichi that we should move forward together,” adding he would meet her later Monday to finalize their cooperation.
The alliance between Takaichi’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party and Ishin would control 231 seats in the powerful lower house—two short of an outright majority but enough to secure victory.
The parliamentary vote to choose Japan’s next leader will be held on October 21.
Under Japan’s rules, Takaichi only needs a majority of ballots cast in any runoff, effectively ensuring her election and marking a historic moment in Japanese politics.
AloJapan.com