Overview

• Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito said his party will not vote for Sanae Takaichi in the parliamentary selection of the next government.
• Saito said Komeito will still support budget reforms and other bills already negotiated with the LDP from outside the coalition.
• Opposition parties are urging a unified challenger, with Democratic Party for the People chief Yuichiro Tamaki cited by media as a possible candidate.
• The LDP has governed as a minority since losing its upper-house majority in July and faces criticism over unresolved corruption scandals.
• Takaichi, elected LDP leader only days ago, called the split “very regrettable,” leaving this month’s planned Diet confirmation uncertain.