The Liberal Democratic Party¡¯s presidential race is likely to get a bit more crowded following Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga¡¯s surprise decision Friday to bow out.
With the incumbent¡¯s withdrawal from the race, a significant obstacle has been removed for members of the Suga administration and other leading LDP hopefuls to enter the contest. Campaigning for the party¡¯s presidential poll officially kicks off Sept. 17, culminating in an election on Sept. 29.
Suga¡¯s abrupt departure from the fray could put candidates already announcing their bids ¡ª former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and former internal affairs minister Sanae Takaichi ¡ª at a disadvantage as they are forced to rethink campaign strategies tailored to beating Suga.
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