Suga front-runner in LDP race as grassroots members excluded from vote

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party decided Tuesday to exclude rank-and-file members from its leadership election that will effectively select Japan's next prime minister, likely benefiting Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, who has emerged as the front-runner after securing the backing of a majority of party lawmakers.Two other contenders, former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, held press conferences announcing their candidacies, while Suga is expected to do so Wednesday evening.The LDP's General Council decided to hold an abridged presidenti…READ FULL ARTICLE