Japan Press Weekly

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2014 November 12 - 18 [POLITICS]

Anti-US base forces secure majority in Okinawa Prefectural Assembly

In the by-elections for the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly held on the same day as the Okinawa gubernatorial election, two candidates opposing the construction of a new U.S. military base were elected. This outcome gave a majority to political forces supporting Governor-elect Onaga Takeshi who objects to the base construction.

The by-elections took place in three cities on November 16. In two electoral districts, candidates backed by the Japanese Communist Party beat their rivals endorsed by the Liberal Democratic Party. As a result, the anti-U.S. base political groups, including the JCP, have secured a majority by holding 25 seats in the 48-member assembly.

Former JCP member of the Naha City Assembly Higa Mizuki, elected in the Naha district, said, “Okinawans delivered a clear verdict on forces trying to impose further burdens with another U.S. military facility on local residents. I’m determined to work closely with the general public and work to support the new governor.”

Ex-JCP member of the Nago City Assembly Gushiken Toru won a narrow victory in the Nago district, where the construction site is located. “In unity with Governor Onaga and Nago City Mayor Inamine, I’ll work to send Okinawans’ message to the rest of the country,” he said.

A 69-year-old man said, “All the U.S. bases in Okinawa should be removed as they could lead us to wars. I want Gushiken to show his strength further in the prefectural assembly.”