Japan’s PM Shigeru Ishiba resigns after electoral losses

Tokyo (Web Desk): Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced his resignation, putting the spotlight on the process to select his successor to lead the world’s fourth-largest economy.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has governed Japan for most of the post-World War II era, along with its coalition partner, has lost its majority in both houses of parliament during Ishiba’s tenure, complicating the leadership transition.

The LDP must first elect a new party president to replace Ishiba. Candidates are required to have nominations from at least 20 party lawmakers to qualify. The election process includes nationwide campaigning and voting by parliamentarians and party members. If no candidate wins a simple majority initially, a runoff is held between the top two contenders.

In the runoff, each lawmaker casts one vote, while general party members’ votes are distributed evenly across Japan’s 47 prefectures. In case of a tie, the winner is decided by drawing lots.

Although the LDP party president traditionally becomes the prime minister, this is not guaranteed as the party no longer holds a parliamentary majority. The prime minister is elected by the lower house of parliament, where any member can be nominated. A candidate needs a simple majority to win. If no majority is achieved, a runoff between the top two candidates takes place.

The upper house of parliament also votes on the prime minister, but if the two houses disagree, the lower house’s decision prevails. The new prime minister has the authority to call snap general elections to secure a broader mandate.

The leadership change marks a significant moment for Japan’s political landscape amid shifting parliamentary dynamics.