Several lawmakers in Japan's ruling LDP seen vying for party presidency

Aug 15 (NHK) - Several key figures in Japan's main ruling Liberal Democratic Party are signaling they'll throw their hats in the ring for the party's upcoming leadership election. The winner is expected to become the country's new prime minister.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio said on Wednesday that he won't run in next month's presidential vote.

The schedule is expected to be decided at a committee meeting of LDP electoral officials next Tuesday.

Former LDP Secretary-General Ishiba Shigeru suggested on Wednesday that he will run if he can secure 20 recommenders.

The party's current secretary-general, Motegi Toshimitsu, is showing a positive stance toward joining the race. He met with Aso Taro, the LDP's vice-president, on Wednesday night to discuss how to respond to Kishida's decision.

Digital Transformation Minister Kono Taro last week conveyed his plan to run in the vote to Aso, who heads the faction Kono belongs to.

Economic Security Minister Takaichi Sanae has held meetings with LDP lawmakers who are close to her.

Some in the party are expressing hope that former Environment Minister Koizumi Shinjiro and former Economic Security Minister Kobayashi Takayuki will run for the presidency.

The name of Noda Seiko, who ran in the last presidential race, has also been mentioned.

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