Japan’s ruling party announced it will hold an internal election on September 27 to choose a new leader following Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s decision to step down.

The election will involve only the party’s parliamentarians and 1.1 million members.

Kishida, who took office in October 2021, decided to bow out to allow a new leader to rebuild public trust after a corruption scandal severely damaged the party’s reputation.

Several potential candidates have emerged, including former ministers and younger lawmakers.

The election campaign will begin on September 12, with an extended 15-day period for candidates to present their visions and policies, ABC News has reported.

The winner will become the head of the Liberal Democratic Party and Japan’s next prime minister.

Written by B.C. Begley