Shigeru Ishiba: "Candidate" For Japanese PM Who Is Far From Close Party In Public

JAKARTA - Former Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba became the most popular person among the public to become the prime minister (PM) of Japan. The conclusion is based on a media poll conducted after Shinzo Abe resigned last week.

Although Ishiba has public support to replace Abe, it is likely that the path will be steep if he actually runs for Prime Minister. This is because, according to Reuters, he was known as the most outspoken critic of the previous administration. In addition, several main factions of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) have nominated Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga as PM.

Japan does not elect its leader by direct popular vote. Under the country's parliamentary political system, members of parliament elect the PM who is usually the leader of the ruling party. So that even though the candidate is championed by the survey results, this candidate may not necessarily win a seat as leader of the Japanese government.

Last weekend after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigned, Kyodo News conducted a survey to find out who would be his successor. As a result, Ishiba has about 34 percent public support, which is twice as high as Suga, the second most popular choice.

Meanwhile the Nikkei poll showed Ishiba has 28 percent support, followed by current Defense Minister Taro Kono with 15 percent support. Suga is in fourth place with 11 percent. The survey also highlighted divisions between public opinion and LDP internal politics.

Suga will join the contest to replace Abe with the support expected from a faction led by LDP Secretary General Toshihiro Nikai. This in turn puts him in an advantageous position. Meanwhile, Ishiba, who is considered less popular in the LDP party, has not stated whether he will run or not.

LDP policy chief Fumio Kishida, who has announced his intention to run, came last in both public opinion surveys. Kishida voiced caution over the idea of cutting sales tax rates to deal with the economic hit from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shinzo Abe decided to resign after his health had deteriorated since early July. The stage for the LDP party leadership election is likely to take place around September 13-15. The leader of the LDP will most likely become the next Japanese PM.

Brad Glosserman, deputy director of the Center for Rule-Making Strategy at Tama University, said Suga was a safe bet in terms of the LDP's internal dynamics. But not ideal for PM elections.

“He doesn't seem to have the charisma or vision to push Japan in a new direction. He seems to be the eternal Number Two, he will only fulfill the promise made by his boss (Abe), "said Glosserman.