Shigeru Ishiba, the new leader chosen by Japan’s Lower House, faces a challenging task of uniting a divided Liberal Democratic Party ahead of the upcoming general election on Oct. 27. Despite his recent appointment, Ishiba will receive no honeymoon period, as internal strife over Cabinet picks and party leadership appointees threatens to undermine his leadership.
In an effort to restore public trust in the LDP, Ishiba is expected to choose Cabinet members who are not involved in the party political funds scandal that tarnished the reputation of several powerful factions within the party. Many of his picks are likely to have close ties to former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, whose faction was dissolved in response to the scandal.
As Ishiba prepares to unveil his Cabinet, his ability to navigate the party’s internal divisions and address the fallout from the scandal will be closely watched. The new leader must quickly consolidate his position and rally support to lead the LDP to victory in the upcoming election.