The 67-year-old former defence minister narrowly prevailed over hard-line nationalist Sanae Takaichi in an unpredictable race with a record nine candidates to lead the Liberal Democratic Party. The leader of the LDP, which has ruled Japan for almost all of the post-war era, is essentially assured of becoming the next premier because of its majority in parliament. Ishiba said he will form a government on Tuesday after a special session of parliament votes him into office.
"We ought to be a party that lets members discuss the truth in a free and open manner, a party that is fair and impartial on all matters and a party with humility," he told a press conference after winning the centre-right party's contest.
