Japan’s parliament is expected to vote on a new prime minister on October 21, following the resignation of Shigeru Ishiba, local media reported. The vote will take place at the start of an extraordinary session, though the schedule could shift amid ongoing political talks. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), now led by Sanae Takaichi after her October 4 leadership win, is seeking new allies after its coalition partner Komeito exited last week over a slush funds scandal. Although the LDP remains the largest party in both chambers, it no longer holds a clear majority, leaving Takaichi’s chances uncertain. If chosen, she would become Japan’s first female prime minister. Meanwhile, the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party (CDPJ) is attempting to rally smaller parties behind a single candidate, with leader Yoshihiko Noda suggesting Yuichiro Tamaki of the Democratic Party for the People as a potential consensus nominee.