SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - Former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda secured leadership of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ) on Monday, pledging to challenge the ruling coalition in an anticipated snap election.
Noda, 67, defeated ex-Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano in a runoff vote, garnering 232 points to Edano's 180. The victory positions Noda to lead the CDPJ against the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has dominated Japanese politics for decades.
"We will break the majority held by the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito party. To that aim, we will maximize the number of opposition seats," Noda told reporters after his win.
The leadership contest comes as Japan's political landscape faces upheaval following a slush funds scandal that has rocked the LDP. The ruling party is set to select a new leader on Friday to replace outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Noda, who served as prime minister from 2011 to 2012, campaigned to shift the political grounds of the CDPJ towards the center to attract unaffiliated voters. He faces the challenge of distinguishing his policies from those of the LDP while maintaining a centrist appeal.
The new CDPJ leader must also navigate potential alliances with other opposition groups, a strategy analysts say could be crucial in gaining ground against the LDP in the upcoming election.
Japan's long-ruling LDP is expected to call a snap election by year-end, as it seeks to distance itself from the recent financial misconduct allegations that have tarnished its reputation.
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