The Okinawa gubernatorial election was announced on the 25th to coincide with the expiration of the term of office, and three candidates, including the incumbent and a newcomer, ran for 17 days on issues such as measures against the new coronavirus, measures to revitalize the economy, and the relocation of the U.S. military base at Futenma. The election campaign has started.
The following three people, all independents, ran for the Okinawa gubernatorial election in order of notification.
Newcomer, former House of Representatives member Mikio Shimoji (61)
Newcomer Jun Sakima (58), former mayor of Ginowan City recommended by the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito,
Incumbent aiming for a second term, Constitutional Democratic Party, Communist Party, Reiwa Shinsengumi, Social Democratic Party , Denny Tamaki (62), recommended by the Okinawa Social Mass Party, a regional political party,
has started a 17-day election campaign and immediately appealed for support on the streets.
Candidate Shimoji said, "For 26 years since the Japanese and U.S. governments agreed to return the U.S. military base to Futenma, the battle over the relocation of the U.S. military base to Henoko in Nago City has been disruptive in all aspects, including economy, society, welfare, and education. We are not creating a future for Okinawa.We will change Okinawa by solving this Henoko relocation issue."
Candidate Sakima said, "Our economy and livelihoods are in a difficult situation due to the spread of the new coronavirus. Let's come up with a plan for the site that will connect us to the future. I'm the one who can do that."
Candidate Tamaki said, "I will not allow a new base to be built in Henoko, Nago City. I will definitely realize the closure and return of the U.S. Futenma Air Base in order to eliminate the danger as soon as possible. I will realize a friendly Okinawan society that leaves no one behind. I will openly advocate for the creation of Okinawa, a hometown where smiles shine brightly."
In the election campaign, in addition to the evaluation of the incumbent's management of the prefectural government for four years, it is expected that debate will be exchanged over measures such as measures against the new coronavirus, measures to revive the economy that has been hit, and the issue of relocating the U.S. military base in Futenma to Henoko, Nago City. is.
Except for some areas, the Okinawa gubernatorial election will be held on the 11th of next month, and the votes will be counted on the same day.