石井氏、代表選「熟慮」　公明トップ１５年ぶり交代

　公明党の山口那津男代表が今期限りでの退任を表明したことを受け、石井啓一幹事長（６６）は１３日の記者会見で、代表選への対応に関し「誰かが代表にならざるを得ない状況であり、その点について熟慮している。なるべく速やかに判断していきたい」と述べるにとどめた。石井氏は出馬の意向を固めており、２８日の党大会で新代表に選出される見通しだ。
　公明代表の交代は１５年ぶり。代表選は１８日に告示され、石井氏以外に立候補を探る動きはない。（2024/09/13-12:07）

Keiichi Ishii, secretary-general of Komeito, on Friday stopped short of declaring his candidacy to become chief of the coalition partner of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
   "Someone must become leader, so I am considering the matter carefully," Ishii, 66, told a press conference. "I want to make a decision as soon as possible."
   Ishii is believed to have already decided to launch a bid for the post following current head Natsuo Yamaguchi's decision to step down after his current term ends.
   He is all but certain to be elected new leader at a party convention on Sept. 28, marking the first change in Komeito leadership in 15 years.
   The official campaign period for the Komeito leadership race is set to begin Wednesday. Ishii is the only party member currently preparing a bid.