Shigeru Ishiba elected as Japan’s new Prime Minister
Tokyo: Shigeru Ishiba, 67, leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has been elected as the new Prime Minister by the House of Representatives. Ishiba, who secured the LDP presidency last week, was endorsed by the ruling coalition-controlled lower house and is set to replace Fumio Kishida, who decided not to run again amid a slush fund scandal that has tarnished the party’s image.
This marks Ishiba’s fifth attempt at the LDP leadership, where he emerged victorious by defeating Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi in a closely contested runoff. Ishiba garnered 215 votes, surpassing Takaichi's 194. His tenure begins amid significant challenges, with a pressing need to restore public trust in the LDP.
In his first announcement as party leader, Ishiba declared plans to dissolve the lower house on October 9, with general elections scheduled for October 27. This move has been criticised by opposition parties, who described it as "disrespectful" and "unconstitutional" since it came before Ishiba’s formal election as Prime Minister.
Ishiba’s rise to the highest office has been marked by a steady ascent through various roles within the LDP. His political career began in 1986 when he was elected to the House of Representatives. Over the years, he has held positions such as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, and Minister of Defence. Known for his independent stance and policy expertise, Ishiba has often been at odds with party leadership, notably during his rivalry with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
With a focus on transparency and accountability, Ishiba has pledged to rebuild the LDP’s image and prioritize national security. "I will dedicate myself to making Japan a safer country," he said following his election.
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Pakistan reports two more polio cases; Total tally now 52
ISLAMABAD: At least two more cases of poliovirus were reported in Pakistan, taking the number of infections to 52 so far this year, a report said on Friday.
“The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health has confirmed the detection of two more wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases in Pakistan," an official statement said.
The fresh infections — a boy and a girl — were reported from the Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.
“Genetic sequencing of the samples collected from the children is underway," the statement read. Dera Ismail Khan, one of the seven polio-endemic districts of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has reported five polio cases so far this year.
Of the 52 cases in the country this year, 24 are from Balochistan, 13 from Sindh, 13 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and one each from Punjab and Islamabad.
There is no cure for polio. Only multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completion of the routine vaccination schedule for all children under the age of five can keep them protected.
