Japan’s prime minister prepares to step down [Video]

TOKYO –

Japan’s embattled Prime Minister Fumio Kishida surprised the country Wednesday by announcing that he’ll step down when his party picks a new leader next month.

His decision clears the way for his governing Liberal Democratic Party to choose a new standard-bearer in its leadership election next month. The winner of that election will replace Kishida as both party chief and prime minister.

A new leader could help the party shake off scandals that have dogged Kishida’s government, and some see a chance for the country to select its first female prime minister.

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Here’s a look at how the new leader will be chosen, and what it could mean.

What happens next?

Kishida announced plans not to run just days before the LDP is expected to set a date for its triennial leadership vote, which must take place …