Sanae Takaichi wins historic vote to become Japan's first female prime minister

Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Sanae Takaichi was elected prime minister by parliament Tuesday, set to become the country’s first female leader, The Japan Times reported.

Takaichi avoided a runoff by rolling to victory in a first round of voting in the Lower House, garnering 237 votes against Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan leader Yoshihiko Noda’s 149, according to The Japan Times.

Monday’s coalition agreement between the LDP and the Japan Innovation Party (JIP) had made a Takaichi victory all but certain by delivering the support needed to fend off any challenge from a united opposition.

Early media reports suggest that some of her fellow contenders in the party presidential race — including Yoshimasa Hayashi, Shinjiro Koizumi and former Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi — could secure key Cabinet posts in the new administration

A former economic security and internal affairs minister, Takaichi has served in the Lower House for roughly 30 years.

She secured the LDP leadership earlier this month on her third attempt.