Japan's Komeito political party is reportedly quitting the country's ruling coalition led by the Liberal Democratic Party, a move that could derail Sanae Takaichi's path to becoming the country's first female prime minister.

Komeito Chief Representative Tetsuo Saito said that the LDP "failed to provide sufficient answers regarding political funding issues," after meeting with LDP President Sanae Takaichi, public broadcaster NHK said Friday.

If confirmed, the split would end a political alliance that has existed since 1999. It comes just days before an Oct. 15 parliamentary vote to select Japan's next prime minister.

Nikkei reported earlier Friday that Komeito had reservations about the alliance, and that the appointment of Takaichi as Japan's next prime minister would be delayed to a

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