Abe Likely to Announce Bid for Another Term as LDP Leader Sun.

August 22, 2018

Toyko- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is preparing to announce his bid for a third consecutive term as president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Sunday, party sources said Wednesday.

Abe is expected to compete with Shigeru Ishiba, who has served as LDP secretary-general as well as defense and other ministers, in the Sept. 20 party leadership election.

Abe plans to make the announcement during a visit to the southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima, apparently bearing in mind Ishiba's emphasis on regional issues, the sources said.

The prime minister is scheduled to visit Kagoshima and neighboring Miyazaki Prefecture for two days from Saturday, including for talks with local party members.

Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Seiko Noda is also considering joining the race. But she is struggling to secure enough nominations from party lawmakers. Jiji Press