Sanae Takaichi is poised to make history as Japan’s first female prime minister after her ruling party secured a key coalition partner.

Takaichi, 64, is scheduled to replace Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tuesday’s parliamentary vote. Her election would end a three-month political vacuum following the coalition’s defeat in July’s parliamentary election.

Coalition shake-up paves way for leadership

The centrist Komeito party ended its 26-year-long coalition with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) just days after Takaichi became party leader. Citing concerns over her ultraconservative policies and the LDP’s handling of corruption scandals, Komeito’s exit forced Takaichi to find a new partner to secure enough votes.

Unable to unite opposition forces, Takaichi quickly turned to the conser

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