ISHIBA ELECTED JAPAN'S PRIME MINISTER AFTER RUNOFF第103代首相に石破茂氏

Ishiba Shigeru has been re-elected prime minister of Japan, following a runoff vote in the Diet's Lower House. It was the first vote of its kind in 30 years, after the ruling coalition lost its majority in last month's election.

(Nukaga Fukushiro / Lower House Speaker) “This chamber has hereby decided to designate Mr. Ishiba Shigeru as prime minister.”

Ishiba, who leads the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party, beat the Constitutional Democratic Party leader Noda Yoshihiko in the second round of voting. Despite losing ground in October, the LDP remains the largest party in the Lower House and still has the support of its junior coalition partner, Komeito. Opposition parties failed to rally behind one candidate. Any time there's a cabinet change, Japan's Emperor ceremonially endorses the new ministers. After that ceremony, Ishiba is expected to hold a news conference to present his next moves.

 ◆runoff vote 決選投票  

 ◆ruling coalition 連立政権