Japan’s Abe Re-Elected As Prime Minister

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe answers questions during a budget committee session of the upper house in Tokyo on March 19, 2018. KAZUHIRO NOGI / AFPP rime Minister Shinzo Abe won re-election as leader of his ruling party Thursday, setting him on course to become Japan’s longest-serving premier and realise his dream of reforming the constitution.


The 63-year-old conservative secured 553 votes from lawmakers and party members against 254 won by former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba in a two-horse race for leader of the Liberal Democratic Party.