Pakistan, Oct. 6 -- TOKYO - Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Saturday elected Sanae Takaichi, a hardline conservative, as its new leader - putting her on track to become Japan's first-ever female prime minister.

For most of Japan's post-war history, the LDP presidency has virtually guaranteed the premiership since the party or its coalition partners hold majorities in parliament.

Although the LDP-led coalition lost its majority in both houses over the past year, it remains the largest party in the lower house, giving Takaichi a near-certain path to leadership when lawmakers vote in mid-October.

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Under Japan's parliamentary system, both houses of the Diet - th...