Who will replace Kishida to become Japan's new prime minister?

TOKYO (AP) — The governing party of outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida holds a key vote Friday that will establish a new national leader.

The vote is limited to the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party's parliamentarians and dues-paying members. Because the party's governing coalition dominates parliament, the winner is assured to be Japan’s next prime minister.

A record nine lawmakers, including two women, are vying for the job in an unpredictable race.

The winner must quickly regain public trust, or Japan could face a return to a damaging cycle of short-lived governments, experts say.