Overview

• The government and the LDP are finalizing an Oct. 21 parliamentary vote to choose Shigeru Ishiba's successor, though sources say the date could slip as parties jockey for support.
• After Komeito left the coalition on Friday, the LDP remains the largest bloc but lacks a majority in both chambers, leaving Takaichi's election uncertain.
• Lower House arithmetic puts the LDP at about 196 seats versus 210 for the CDP, DPP and Nippon Ishin combined, with Komeito holding 24 and 233 needed to win in a runoff.
• Opposition leaders are discussing a unified nominee, with CDP chief Yoshihiko Noda saying backing DPP leader Yuichiro Tamaki is possible as Tamaki pushes for agreement on security and nuclear policy, while Nippon Ishin adopts a wait-and-see stance.
• Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito says his name will be written in the first-round vote but leaves open supporting an opposition candidate or abstaining in a runoff, as some LDP figures float delaying the vote and lawmaker Hajime Funada calls for Takaichi to step down.