The ruling party of Japan has elected Yoshihide Suga as its new leader to succeed Shinzo Abe. The election has paved way for him to become Japan’s next prime minister.
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) confirmed recently that Suga won the internal vote to become Shinzo Abe’s successor weeks after Abe announced he would be stepping down due to health issues.
71-year-old Suga, who serves as the current chief cabinet secretary raked in 377 of a total of 534 votes from lawmakers and regional representatives. He won over two other contenders, Fumio Kishida, a one-time Foreign Minister and Shigeru Ishiba, a one-time LDP Secretary-General of LDP and Defense Minister.
After his election as LDP leader, Suga promised to work hard for Japan.
He said: “I was born as the oldest son of a farmer in Akita,” Suga said. “Without any knowledge or blood ties, I launched into the world of politics, starting from zero – and have been able to become leader of the LDP, with all its traditions and history.
“I will devote all of myself to work for Japan and its citizens.”
