Lawmakers from Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) started voting for a new leader on Saturday, with five candidates competing to become the party's chief and virtually the country's next prime minister.
The contenders are Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, former Economic Security Ministers Sanae Takaichi and Takayuki Kobayashi, and former LDP Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi.
The election, triggered by LDP President Shigeru Ishiba's resignation last month, consisted of 590 votes in the first round, 295 from LDP lawmakers and 295 allocated proportionally to rank-and-file party members and registered supporters.
A candidate securing an outright majority in the first round will be elected. Otherwise, the top two finishers will proceed to a runoff.
Once a new LDP president is chosen, the parliament will hold a prime ministerial designation vote.
Even though the ruling bloc has failed to secure a majority in both chambers of the parliament, the new leader is almost certain to become the country's next prime minister since the LDP remains the largest political party.
Japan's ruling LDP lawmakers start voting for new leader
Japan's ruling LDP lawmakers start voting for new leader
Japan's ruling LDP lawmakers start voting for new leader
China's 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games officially concluded on Monday evening, capping an inspirational eight-day event that set new records for participation and athletic achievements.
Held for the first time jointly by Guangdong Province, Hong Kong, and Macao in the Greater Bay Area, the Games featured 46 competitive events and attracted more than 11,000 participants from 34 delegations, marking the largest turnout in the event's history.
Athletes shattered 15 world records and set 156 new national records in disciplines such as athletics, swimming, shooting, weightlifting, and track cycling.
The Games showcased not only extraordinary athleticism, but also the indomitable spirit of disabled competitors who transcended physical limitations through sport.
The 21-year-old Hong Kong para table tennis player Wong Yue-ching, a student at the University of Hong Kong, competed with only one-third the grip strength of an able-bodied person in her right hand. Wong used a wrist strap to secure her racket. She finished sixth in the women's singles class 7 event and credited the sport for transforming her life.
"[Playing table tennis] has completely rewritten my life. I want to become a teacher. Perhaps one day, I can teach children at a special school and share my story with them, to show that as long as you keep searching, you will surely find your path in life," said Wong.
This edition of the Games significantly increased the numbers of both Special Olympic and mass participation events, allowing more people to enjoy the fun of sports.
From seamless event organization to the creation of a comprehensive, region-wide barrier-free environment, the Games has set a benchmark and delivered a replicable model for future para-sporting events in China and beyond.
"Drawing on their complementary strengths and working in close coordination, with synchronized planning and implementation, Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao have extended the concept of disability inclusion far beyond the competition venues into all aspects of daily life. This not only showcases the remarkable achievements and vibrant momentum of Chinese modernization, but also highlights a new chapter in the integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the advancement of the cause of the disabled," said Chang Zheng, deputy director of the Games' organizing committee.
China's 12th National Para Games conclude with record attendance, athletic achievements
