Japan’s parliament has officially elected Sanae Takaichi as the nation’s first woman to hold the position of prime minister, marking a historic moment in the country’s political landscape, Xpats.ae reports.
The 64-year-old conservative leader, who recently assumed the role of chairwoman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), had long been regarded as the frontrunner to lead the government following her strong influence within the party’s ranks.
During the parliamentary session, Takaichi secured 237 votes—four more than needed for a majority—defeating Yoshikoko Noda, the head of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, who received 149 votes. The vote took place in the lower house, which is responsible for selecting Japan’s prime minister.
Takaichi succeeds Shigeru Ishiba, who stepped down after serving a year in office. His Cabinet also resigned earlier in the day, clearing the way for her appointment as Japan’s new leader.
