Explainer: Can Japan's ruling LDP head Takaichi become PM

TOKYO, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Japan's ruling and opposition parties have agreed to hold a parliamentary vote to pick a new prime minister to replace outgoing Shigeru Ishiba on Oct. 21 when an extraordinary Diet session kicks off.

With the withdrawal of long-time ally Komeito from the ruling coalition, it remained uncertain whether new ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader Sanae Takaichi will be elected as pr