Former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has been elected as the new leader of Japan’s main opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ), after winning a leadership contest held on Monday.

Noda, 67, secured 232 points in a runoff election, defeating former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano, who garnered 180 points. The leadership change comes as the CDPJ gears up for a likely snap election, anticipated to follow the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) leadership selection later this week.

In his victory speech, Noda emphasized the party’s readiness for an upcoming electoral battle, stating, "Our fight begins today," and confirming that a general election is "unmistakably" approaching. He also pledged to appoint party executives by Tuesday.

The leadership race culminated in a runoff between Noda and Edano after none of the four initial candidates achieved a majority. Noda led with 267 points, followed by Edano with 206, while incumbent leader Kenta Izumi and first-term lawmaker Harumi Yoshida were eliminated in the first round.

Noda's election is seen as crucial for the CDPJ as it positions itself as a credible alternative to the LDP, currently led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The ruling party has faced increasing pressure, particularly after a slush fund scandal, leading to speculation about a potential lower house dissolution and a general election by year’s end.

The CDPJ leadership contest centered on tackling Japan’s political establishment, with candidates criticizing "hereditary politics" and promising reforms in political practices. (ILKHA)