Japan: Abe wins party vote, extends PM term by 3 years

By Nilay Kar Onum

ISTANBUL

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was re-elected as head of his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Thursday, paving the way for him to become the country's longest-serving premier.

According to Japanese Kyodo News Agency, his re-election effectively extends his term as prime minister for another three years.

Abe secured 553 of 807 total votes, the agency reported. His rival former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba garnered 181 votes.

Speaking after securing his third consecutive term, Abe said: "It's now time to tackle a revision to the Constitution.”

“Let's work together to create a new nation for the sake of the people,” he added.

Kyodo reported that Abe could surpass Taro Katsura's all-time record of 2,886 days in office.

Katsura served as prime minister in the early 1900s.