TOKYO, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- Lawmakers from Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) started voting for a new leader on Friday, with a record nine candidates competing to become the new party chief and virtually the country's next prime minister.
As both houses of parliament are controlled by the LDP and its coalition partner, the Komeito party, the winner of Friday's race is almost certain to be elected the country's prime minister in an extraordinary Diet session scheduled on Oct. 1. ■
