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The election saw a record number of candidates, including prominent figures like Shigeru Ishiba, Sanae Takaichi, and Shinjirō Koizumi. Ishiba, a former Minister of Defense and a long-time member of the Diet, was seen as a centrist candidate, while Takaichi, a sitting minister with a strong conservative background, was characterized as the staunch conservative. Koizumi, also a former minister, drew a lot of media attention but ultimately did not advance past the first round of voting. This election was noted for its diversity in candidate backgrounds, reflecting the party's shifting dynamics post-scandal.

The election process for the President of the LDP is governed by the 'Rules for the Election of President of the Party'. To officially qualify as a candidate, one must be an LDP member of the National Diet and receive nominations from at least 20 fellow LDP Diet members. The election is conducted via a two-round system where Diet members and dues-paying party members vote. If a candidate secures over 50% of the votes in the first round, they are declared the winner; otherwise, a runoff occurs between the top two candidates. In the 2024 election, no candidate received a majority, leading to a runoff between Shigeru Ishiba and Sanae Takaichi.

The 2024 presidential election was significantly influenced by the resignation of incumbent Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, announced on August 14, 2024, amidst declining approval ratings due to various scandals, including a prominent slush fund scandal with LDP factions like Seiwakai and Shisuikai that disbanded earlier that January. Following Kishida’s resignation, the party faced an open election scenario, which experienced a considerable increase in candidate interest, marking the first presidential election without the influence of the established factions, thereby leading to an unpredictable political landscape.

The 2024 LDP presidential election took place on September 27, with Ishiba ultimately winning in a second-round runoff against Takaichi. In the first round, Takaichi garnered 181 votes compared to Ishiba's 154. In the runoff, Ishiba achieved 215 votes (52.57%) to Takaichi's 194 votes (47.43%). This victory was marked as an upset since Ishiba had previously lost in multiple leadership bids and was noted for his initially low popularity within the party. His win was significant as it represented a potential shift in the party's policy direction, particularly towards economic policy and cabinet composition.

After Ishiba's election as the new leader of the LDP on October 1, 2024, he was sworn in as Prime Minister. His administration showed intentions to stabilize the party following the volatility seen during the scandals. Notably, he appointed former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga as vice president and emphasized reorganizing the leadership team. Furthermore, while Takaichi declined any cabinet positions, Ishiba aims to integrate Koizumi into a prominent role, indicating an effort to unify the party amidst prior factional divides resulting from the slush fund controversy, as he prepared for the upcoming general elections.

In the lead-up to the 2024 LDP presidential election, candidates employed distinct strategies and policy platforms to differentiate themselves. Shigeru Ishiba focused on traditional conservative issues, advocating for increased defense spending and a more assertive foreign policy, while Sanae Takaichi emphasized economic security and social welfare reforms, positioning herself as a staunch conservative. Shinjirō Koizumi sought to appeal to younger voters with progressive policies, including environmental sustainability and discussion of flexible family structures, such as legalizing separate surnames for married couples. On the other hand, Taro Kono promoted digital transformation and fiscal austerity, drawing on his experience as Digital Minister to push for innovative reforms. As candidates engaged in debates, they highlighted their contrasting visions on how to address Japan's economic challenges, demographic decline, and national security concerns, reflecting the broad spectrum of opinions within the LDP today.

In the months leading up to the 2024 LDP leadership election, opinion polls reflected significant fluctuations in voter sentiment. Initially, Shigeru Ishiba enjoyed a lead in popularity thanks to his strong public appeal and previous experience in leadership roles. However, as the election approached, Sanae Takaichi's campaign gained momentum, particularly among LDP party members, who resonated with her conservative messaging on economic security and traditional values. Shinjirō Koizumi, despite being a rising star, faced backlash from voters due to missteps and controversial statements that undermined his early support. Late September polling indicated a competitive race, with Takaichi slightly ahead before the election. These polls indicated the electorate's desire for change, showcasing the dynamic interplay of candidate strengths and public dissatisfaction with the incumbent party leadership amid ongoing scandals.

Fumio Kishida's approval ratings faced a dramatic decline in the run-up to the 2024 LDP leadership election due to a combination of factors. Key among these was the fallout from the 2023-2024 Japanese slush fund scandal, which raised serious questions about transparency and accountability within the LDP. Kishida's handling of this controversy, including the disbandment of factions linked to the scandal, contributed to waning public trust. Additionally, his administration faced criticism over its ties to the Unification Church, further eroding support amid growing calls for reform. Voter discontent was evident, with polls revealing record high disapproval ratings of 79%, reflecting the electorate's frustration with Kishida's leadership on pressing issues, including economic stagnation and security concerns. These elements ultimately forced Kishida to announce his resignation and paved the way for a contested leadership election as party members sought a new direction for the LDP.

The assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July 2022 sent shockwaves through Japan's political landscape, significantly impacting the dynamics of the 2024 LDP presidential election. Abe's death revealed the deep links between the LDP and the Unification Church, stirring public outrage and raising concerns about the party's ethical standing. This controversy directly affected Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's leadership, causing his approval ratings to plummet, which ultimately pressured him not to seek re-election. The scandal also led to the dissolution of major party factions, such as the Seiwakai and Shisuikai, which had once held significant power within the LDP. As candidates entered the race, they had to navigate public sentiment shaped by these issues, with many calling for a departure from past practices associated with Abe’s tenure. The rise of centrist and progressive candidates, drawing on discontent with past leadership, signified a potential shift in the party’s direction post-election.

During the 2024 LDP presidential election runoff held on 27 September, Shigeru Ishiba faced off against Sanae Takaichi after both advanced from the initial round of voting. Takaichi initially garnered strong support, winning the first round decisively. However, Ishiba’s campaign capitalized on late endorsements from influential figures within the party, including outgoing Prime Minister Kishida, who shifted his support in a surprising move after Takaichi advanced. Voter mobilization strategies played a significant role in the runoff, as Ishiba focused on solidifying his base among undecided party members and leveraging his popularity with the public. Ultimately, Ishiba secured victory with 215 votes (52.57%) against Takaichi’s 194 votes (47.43%) in a closely contested race. This victory was characterized by shifting alliances and strategic endorsements that proved pivotal in this unpredictable election landscape.