After launching his government, Kishida is expected to spend the following days delivering his first policy speech to parliament and answering questions from other party leaders.
JAPAN'S former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida has been elected the new leader ofruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Wednesday, local media reported.
He will succeed outgoing Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.
Kishida defeated Vaccination Minister Taro Kono in a runoff, according to the Kyodo News Agency.
The former foreign minister got 257 votes, while Kono received only 170.
Kishida is set to be elected prime minister during a special parliament session to be held on Monday (October 4).
After launching his government, Kishida is expected to spend the following days delivering his first policy speech to parliament and answering questions from other party leaders.
The LDP and the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan agreed Friday to end the extraordinary session on October 14.
If Kishida dissolves the lower house the same day, campaigning for the general election will start on either October 26 or November 2, with votes to be cast November 7 or 14.
Under pressure for a weaker anti-coronavirus policy, Suga has announced last September he will step down as premier and will not run for party leadership.
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