TOKYO - The main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) of Japan decided Wednesday to hold its leadership election on Sept 23, as the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is expected to hold a leadership election around the same time, local media reported.

Campaigning for the CDP's leadership race is scheduled to begin on Sept 7, with current leader Kenta Izumi eager to be reelected ahead of the upcoming election of the House of Representatives, the all-important lower chamber of Japan's parliament, which must be held by October 2025, Kyodo News reported.

If the CDP secures a victory in the lower house election by defeating the LDP, its chief could become Japan's prime minister, the report said.

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The focus is on whether CDP lawmakers will support Izumi, who is expected to maintain cooperation with other opposition groups, including the Japanese Communist Party. To run in the race, the recommendations of 20 CDP lawmakers are needed, the report said.