Five opposition parties to run joint candidate in Okinawa gubernatorial election

Okinawa's five opposition parties have agreed to discuss putting up a joint candidate in the next Okinawan gubernatorial election in November.

On July 11, the five parties (the Japanese Communist, Social Mass, Social Democratic, Democratic parties, and the Liberal League) published an agreement on an election platform.

The five parties have begun a process of selecting their joint candidate.

The joint policy platform informs the 1.2 million Okinawans that the five parties will:

(1) Respect the Constitution and local self-government; do their utmost to have Okinawa free of U.S. military bases; take steps to reduce, realign, and withdraw U.S. bases; not allow the perpetual stationing and reinforcement of U.S. bases on Okinawa; foil the contingency bills; and review the Japan-U.S. Status of U.S. Forces Agreement.

(2) Gather public input in effforts to create more jobs by rehabilitating local economies and boosting (non-military related) local industries.

(3) Use tax money to conserve Okinawa's rich natural environment and to improve conditions related to medical care, welfare, and education. (end)