LDP leadership change discussions are now intensifying as party leaders debate whether to replace Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Calls for a leadership shake-up followed the ruling party’s poor performance in recent elections.
On Tuesday, a top Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmaker confirmed the party will gauge support for holding an early leadership election. Ichiro Aizawa, who leads the election panel, said officials aim to gather member views in writing. According to him, urgency is critical. He stated, “It’s an issue that should be dealt with speedily.”
The party has never held a leadership contest midterm under its current rules. However, Ishiba’s refusal to resign has opened that possibility. He took office last year and still has two years left in his term. Nevertheless, growing internal dissatisfaction is pushing the LDP to act.
The LDP leadership change process would require backing from at least 172 lawmakers and local chapter leaders. This threshold would officially trigger a vote for party president. Ishiba could still run again, though internal support for him appears shaky.
The party decided earlier this month to allow the election committee to explore the option. That step marked the first formal move toward a potential contest. Now, the process to collect internal opinions will likely begin soon.
Pressure has intensified since the July 20 election, where the LDP-led coalition lost its upper house majority. With the coalition already in the minority in the more powerful lower house, passing legislation has become more difficult. Support from opposition parties is now essential for any policy to move forward. Furthermore, many local LDP chapters have joined national lawmakers in urging Ishiba to resign. They believe his leadership has weakened the party’s standing with voters. Some insiders now view a leadership race as the only viable reset.
However, party officials say the timing of a decision depends on an internal review. The party is investigating the reasons behind its recent electoral loss. Secretary General Hiroshi Moriyama said the review will finish by the end of August. Until then, debate over a possible LDP leadership change will likely dominate internal party discussions. Party unity now hinges on what comes next.
