TOKYO -- Sanae Takaichi, former economic security minister, was elected leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Saturday and is likely to become the first female prime minister within two weeks, succeeding the outgoing Shigeru Ishiba.
Japan leadership race
Takaichi elected as first female leader of Japan's ruling LDP
Conservative politician likely to be next prime minister unless opposition unites
Sanae Takaichi, the newly elected leader of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party, celebrates with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba after winning the LDP leadership election in Tokyo on Oct. 4. © Reuters
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