election

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Okinawa's five opposition parties to run joint candidate in gubernatorial election

Okinawa's five opposition parties have agreed to put up a joint candidate in the Okinawa gubernatorial election this fall.

The five parties are the Japanese Communist, Social Mass, Social Democratic, and Democratic parties, as well as the Liberal League.

At a meeting in Naha City on May 15, the five parties confirmed their basic election platform: Block the strengthening of U.S. base functions and the construction of a new U.S. base on the shoreline of Nago City as well as at any other locations in Okinawa under the realignment of U.S. forces; promote local industries and economy without depending on U.S. bases; and stop destruction of nature by reckless development and U.S. military exercises.

The basic policies also include defending the constitutional peace principle and Article 9 as well as opposing the adverse revision of the Fundamental Law of Education.

The meeting also confirmed that a headquarters to run the election campaign will be comprised of all five parties.

A committee to select a joint candidate, composed of five party representatives, held its first meeting on that day. It will begin the work of selecting a candidate who will adhere to the basic policies.
- Akahata, May 16, 2006