Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party announced on August 20 that its presidential election will be held on September 27.

Candidates for Prime Minister Kishida Fumio’s successor will be announced on September 12.

The 15-day-election will be the longest under current regulations.

Diet members and LDP party members will have 367 votes each.

Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Yamada Kenji / Let’s do this.

Lawmaker Kobayashi Takayuki / I’ll do my best.

Kobayashi Takayuki, who announced on August 19 that he will be running for the election, went around lawmaker’s offices to ask for support.

Digital Transformation Minister Kono Taro, who is expected to announce his candidacy on August 26, discussed on August 19 what policies he will be rolling out.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa is also expected to announce his candidacy.

Prospective candidates must secure prerequisite 20 nominations from party lawmakers to run in the election.

Former economic security minister Kobayashi Takayuki / I declare that I will be running for the upcoming LDP presidential election with determination. I am in my 40s, and I have been elected four times. I grew up in an ordinary company worker’s household. I believe that the fact that I am standing here today, without taking consideration of factions, will exactly symbolize how serious the LDP is willing to change.

The 49-year-old politician stressed the importance of transparency for the party’s political activity expenses during the news conference. 

Lawmakers have shown support for the rising star as the cabinet seeks for a fresh start. 

Prime Minister Kishida announced last week that he will be stepping down.

The approval rating for his cabinet fell to record-low levels due to a fundraising scandal.