According to a Yomiuri Shimbun public opinion poll, Sanae Takaichi, the former Minister of Economic Security, is leading with 29% support as the most suitable candidate for the next leader in the upcoming Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election. Shinjiro Koizumi, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, follows with 25%.
The survey, conducted from September 13 to 14, asked respondents to choose from eight candidates who participated in last year’s presidential election, excluding Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Toshimitsu Motegi, the former Secretary-General, and Taro Kono, the former Digital Minister, both garnered 7%, ranking third, followed by Yoshimasa Hayashi, the Chief Cabinet Secretary, with 6%, and Takayuki Kobayashi, the former Minister of Economic Security, with 3%. Fourteen percent of those surveyed said there was no suitable candidate.
Among LDP supporters, Koizumi received the highest support at 33%, with Takaichi at 28%. Kono garnered 9%, Hayashi 8%, Motegi 6%, and Kobayashi 5%.
The survey indicated that key issues to be discussed in the election include measures against rising prices, which 88% of respondents wanted emphasized, followed by the economy and employment at 85%, foreign policy and security at 78%, and social security at 74%.
The LDP presidential election will be officially announced on September 22, with voting set for October 4. Major candidates, including Takaichi, Koizumi, Hayashi, and Kobayashi, are slated to hold press conferences announcing their candidacies this week.
The election is expected to be closely contested, with the ability to secure both 295 parliamentary votes and an equal number of party member votes being crucial for victory. The support of Shigeru Ishiba’s faction, the winner of last year’s election, will also be a significant factor. Despite Takaichi and Koizumi being identified as key contenders for “post-Ishiba” leadership, the political situation remains fluid. Takaichi plans to delay her announcement of candidacy to monitor other factions and adjust her policies accordingly.