Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga cements his frontrunner position in PM race

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga on September 1 cemented his status as clear frontrunner in race to become country’s next Prime Minister. Shinzo Abe, who served for nearly for a dece, resigned last week citing health issues.  To fill void, a nationwide vote is expected later this month. 

71-year-old Suga, who has yet t anunced his candidacy for top job, has alrey become favourite garnering support from largest faction of ruling  Liberal Democratic Party(LDP). In dition, two or factions have confirmed ir support for Suga, who is all set to make his candidacy official on Sep 2.

Although dates of elections have t been anunced as yet, Japan's local media has reported that candidates will be required to register ir run on September 8, with campaigning beginning immediately after.  A contest for Prime Ministerial seat usually includes ruling-party lawmakers and LDP members nationwide. However, owing to Abe’s health, LDP has opted to poll only its MPs and three representatives, each from 47 prefectures.

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Closest aide of Abe

Yoshihide Suga has been serving as chief spokesperson of Japanese government since Abe assumed power back in 2012 and is also one of closest aides of Japan PM. He was also considered to be Abe’s potential contender. However, recent revelation by media reports come in contrary to remarks he me in past when he denied possibility of succeeding Abe saying “never thought about it”. 

Japan’s longest-serving PM anunced his resignation during a press conference on Friday, August 28 citing a chronic health problem that has resurfaced. He also told reporters that it was “gut-wrenching” to have left a number of his goals unfinished. Abe reportedly h ulcerative colitis since he was a teenr and said that condition was in control with appropriate treatment. 

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 Im credits: AP