Japan is likely to have a new prime minister within weeks after the ruling Liberal Democratic party set a rapid timetable for replacing the departing Shinzo Abe.
In meetings over the weekend, party elders discussed plans to vote on Mr Abe’s replacement by the middle of September, with the electorate restricted to members of parliament and heads of regional party chapters. Since Mr Abe is leaving halfway through his term, party leaders can cite Covid-19 as the reason to adopt an emergency procedure.
A speedy selection process, avoiding a full vote of party members, will maximise the influence of Mr Abe and his allies, so increasing the chances of a successor who maintains the policies of Japan’s longest-serving leader.
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