The Japanese prime minister says he will not seek re-election as the head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in an election later this month. LDP officials have expressed surprise at the announcement. They, however, said Suga will continue to serve as the LDP’s president until the party-wide election is held on September 29. The winner of the vote will most probably become the next Japanese premier as the LDP holds majority in the lower house. Suga took office as the prime minister last September, after Shinzo Abe resigned over ill health. Suga's tenure has been marred by an unpopular Covid response and dwindling public support.