Opposition Leader Defeated as Shigeru Ishiba Retains his Position as Japan’s Prime Minister
Shigeru Ishiba emerged victorious in a vote held by Japan’s parliament with a tally of 221 votes to 160. However, a video capturing him asleep during the session has gained considerable attention on social media.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba successfully defended his position after overcoming a challenge from the opposition and securing a vote of confidence in parliament.
A special session of the Diet convened on Monday to elect a new prime minister as mandated within 30 days of a general election.
In a first run-off in 30 years, Ishiba, 67, outpaced opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda by a margin of 221 votes to 160.
Ishiba assumed leadership of the LDP in September, taking over from Fumio Kishida who resigned amidst corruption scandals that plunged party support below 20 percent.
During the leadership contest, he defeated Sanae Takaichi, 63, and Shinjiro Koizumi, the 43-year-old son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
