Key Facts
• August 28: Justice Minister Kanda announced resignation to support leadership election.
• August 29: Environment Vice Minister Kobayashi expressed support, willing to resign if needed.
• 120 LDP lawmakers favor leadership election, per Nippon TV’s survey.
• Average age of supporters: 57.1 years; opponents: 63.8 years.
• Supporters’ average election wins: 5.4; opponents: 7.7.
• August 29: 10 mid-level and junior lawmakers from the former Motegi faction backed the election.
• September 8: Leadership Election Committee to confirm lawmakers’ intentions within a 5-hour window.
• 6 out of 47 prefectural chapters support the election; 41 undecided or withheld responses.
• Secretary-General Moriyama to clarify his position after Senate election review on September 2.
• Leadership election could lead to Prime Minister’s resignation if Moriyama steps down.
Summary
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) faces internal divisions over a potential leadership election. Calls for the election have grown, with notable support from mid-level and junior lawmakers, including Justice Minister Kanda and Environment Vice Minister Kobayashi, both willing to resign to push for the vote. A Nippon TV survey revealed 120 lawmakers in favor, with younger members leading the charge. The party’s leadership has implemented measures, including publicizing supporters’ names and warning of potential dissolution of parliament, to deter support. The decision hinges on two factors: prefectural chapter stances and Secretary-General Moriyama’s position, which will be clarified after the Senate election review. The outcome of the September 8 decision-making process could significantly impact the party’s future and the Prime Minister’s tenure.
