The drama over the fate of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba within the Liberal Democratic Party has deepened amid a lack of clarity over whether those seeking his removal can rally enough support to force a leadership race within the party.
In the latest development, a Jiji Press survey published on Sunday showed that 21 of the LDP’s 47 prefectural branch executives said the party should hold a presidential election, while only two said there is no need to hold one. Sixteen prefectural chapters responded that they are not sure yet and eight others did not offer any answer.
In order to hold an election midway into Ishiba’s term as president, the LDP needs a majority vote on the matter from a combination of party lawmakers and prefectural chapters.
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