The election for the mayor of Suttsu-cho, Hokkaido, where an investigation is being conducted over the selection of a final disposal site for so-called "nuclear waste," will be announced on the 21st.
It is expected that the election campaign will be held for the first time in 20 years, with the pros and cons of the investigation as the biggest issue.
In Suttsu Town, which has a population of about 2,800 on the Sea of Japan side of western Hokkaido, NUMO received an application from the town from November last year regarding the selection of a final disposal site for high-level radioactive waste, so-called "nuclear waste." = "Literature search" by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization of Japan is continuing.
This survey, which is the first stage, will take about two years based on research papers and geological data.
Under these circumstances, the mayoral election was announced on the 21st, and Haruo Kataoka (72), who is aiming for the sixth term in his current position, and Yuki Echizenya (70), a newcomer and former member of the town council, are planning to run. It is expected to be the first election campaign in 20 years.
Mr. Kataoka hopes to continue the survey and use the grants obtained from the government to promote the region.
On the other hand, Mr. Echizenya disagrees with the investigation and has indicated that he will withdraw the policy of the town if he is elected, so the pros and cons of the investigation are likely to be the biggest issue.
The Suttsu mayoral election will be voted on October 26th and will be counted on the same day.