He is set to be named prime minister of Japan in parliament on Wednesday, September 16. Suga received just over 70 percent of 535 votes contested in the LDP election.

The 71-year-old lawmaker said he will put together a Cabinet that works for the people. He pledged to continue outgoing Prime Minister Abe Shinzo’s policies in tackling the novel coronavirus so that people can overcome the crisis, and lead safe and stable lives. He won 377 votes, followed by former Foreign Minister Kishida Fumio with 89 and former Defense Minister Ishiba Shigeru at 68.