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A day before a crucial vote in his party, which was seen as a vote of no confidence against him, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba officially announced his resignation from the presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party today (Sunday), directing that emergency elections be held to choose new leadership for the party and the government.

Ishiba stated at a press conference in Tokyo that he would continue to perform his duties until a new leader is elected, explaining that the vote that the Liberal Democratic Party was scheduled to hold tomorrow (Monday) will now be canceled.

Ishiba had rejected calls from within his own Liberal Democratic Party to step down and take responsibility for the party's loss in July during the House of Councillors elections, the upper house of parliament.

Challenges and Divisions

The Japan Broadcasting Corporation reported that Ishiba met with former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Agriculture Minister Shinjirō Koizumi in his office yesterday.

Challenges increased when the opposition refused to offer any support for Ishiba ahead of the vote, prompting some members of his government to call for the selection of a new party leader.

Ishiba had told reporters on Friday that he intends to prepare a package of measures to support the economy this fall, affirming that his government will fulfill its responsibilities to the people.

Top Candidates

Following Ishiba's resignation, the Liberal Democratic Party lacks a majority in parliament; however, its leader will remain the most likely candidate to assume the position of the next Prime Minister, given the division within the opposition.

Observers believe that Agriculture Minister Shinjirō Koizumi, 44, who enjoys wide popularity, although his views on economic policy are unknown, is one of the prominent candidates to succeed Ishiba.