Japan's governing Liberal Democratic Party has opened the official campaign to replace its leader, outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Five candidates are vying for the party’s top job in a highly unpredictable vote set for early October. The winner of the intraparty vote is likely to become the next prime minister since the LDP remains the No. 1 party and the opposition is splintered. The winner must quickly deliver measures to address rising prices to win back voters’ support. Whoever becomes the LDP leader must also gain cooperation from main opposition parties or risk facing constant no-confidence motions and a cycle of short-lived leadership.
