By Kiyoshi Takenaka

TOKYO (Reuters) -Liberal Democratic Party leader Sanae Takaichi’s bid to become Japan’s first female prime minister regained momentum this week, as alliance discussions with another political party moved forward.

After the Komeito Party ended their 26-year partnership last week, the LDP – which has ruled Japan for almost all of its post-war history – has been in talks with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party, known as Ishin.

The parliamentary vote to pick the next premier is scheduled for Tuesday. Here’s how the election works and how votes might stack up for Takaichi.

HOW THE POLL WORKS

The candidate who wins the majority of votes cast by the lower and upper houses of parliament will take the top job. If no one secures a simple majority, there will be a run-o

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