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Takaichi supports increased local vote weight in LDP Presidential runoff

Takaichi’s support for increasing local vote influence is aimed at more accurately reflecting the preferences of party members and supporters. Currently, the presidential election process involves two rounds of voting. In the first round, votes are evenly split between Diet members and local party members/supporters. If no candidate secures a majority, the top two candidates advance to a runoff election. The runoff process, however, maintains the same split in vote allocation.

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LDP Presidential election race tightens: Koizumi, Takaichi, and Ishiba lead

According to a survey conducted on September 15 and 16, none of the nine candidates are expected to secure an outright majority in the first round of voting on September 27. Consequently, a runoff election between the top two contenders appears likely. The survey, which targeted LDP supporters, shows Takaichi leading with 27.7%, followed by Ishiba at 23.7%, and Koizumi at 19.1%. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa trails at 6.3%, with other candidates such as Kobayashi Takayuki, Kamikawa Yoko, Kono Taro, Motegi Toshimitsu, and Kato Katsunobu showing even lower support.

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Takaichi pledges to visit Yasukuni Shrine if elected Prime Minister

Previously, at her candidacy press conference on September 9, Takaichi had been non-specific about her intentions regarding Yasukuni Shrine. At that time, she had only indicated a general desire to honor those who died for national policy. Today’s statement represents a clear and unambiguous commitment to visiting the controversial shrine, a site known for its historical and political sensitivities.

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Kato, Ishiba, and Other LDP candidates unveil economic policies for Presidential race

Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato has made "doubling the nation's income" his central policy goal. Announcing his candidacy on September 10, Kato emphasized his determination to achieve significant income growth quickly. His approach includes supporting wage increases and reskilling initiatives to narrow income gaps, particularly between men and women, reflecting his commitment to addressing wage disparities.

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Minister Takaichi remains non-committal on timing for House of Representatives dissolution

The lack of clarity on this crucial matter has fueled ongoing debate among political analysts and opposition parties. The dissolution of the House of Representatives is a significant event in Japan's political landscape, often triggering general elections and potentially reshaping the legislative agenda. Traditionally, the timing of such a dissolution is a strategic decision influenced by various factors, including political calculations, public sentiment, and legislative priorities.