Ms. Sanae Takaichi - leader of the LDP and Mr. Hirofumi Yoshimura - leader of the smaller right wing group called Ishin, are expected to sign an official agreement to form an alliance on October 20, Japanese media reported on October 19.
Ishin Fumitake Fujita's co-leader expressed his expectations for a deal on October 17, saying the two sides had made great progress in the alliance talks.
Lawmakers Ishin will vote for Ms. Takaichi in the parliamentary primary election on October 21, but the party has no plans to appoint ministers to Ms. Takaichi's cabinet, at least in the early stages, the sources noted.
This leads to a failed attempt to form a comprehensive alliance as the LDP has maintained with the Komeito party before, raising concerns about the stability of the incoming government.
Takaichi's path to succeed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba seems certain after she won the ruling LDP presidential election in early October. However, Komeito later left the 26-year alliance, opening a series of negotiations with rival parties to choose the next prime minister.
In an effort to gain support from Ishin, the LDP has proposed continuing efforts towards banning donations from companies and other organizations, and exempting sales tax on food items.
Ishin has proposed abolishing taxes on food products in the past 2 years.
