(VOVWORLD) - More than 60% of the Liberal Democratic Party’s popular members support Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s bid for a his next term as party president.
The results, released Sunday, went well for the 63-year-old Abe, who has been in power since late 2012 and could become Japan’s longest-serving prime minister if he secures another three-year term. Among his rivals are former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who has 28.6% support. The election is expected to be officially called on Sept. 7, with voting to be held on Sept. 20.