Candidate Ota for Tokushima governor starts campaigning

In Tokushima in western Japan, former Governor Ota Tadashi is running in the gubernatorial election to be held on May 18, carrying the wishes of many prefectural people for the democratic administration to be revived.

The election was called after the pro-business forces in the prefectural assembly used their majority to pass through a motion of no-confidence against Governor Ota Tadashi (independent) on March 20.

At the start of his campaign in Tokushima City on May 1st, Ota emphasized the need for a further review of the wasteful large-scale public works projects burdening taxpayers.

Independent candidate Ota is backed by the Japanese Communist, Democratic, Social Democratic, New Socialist, and Liberal parties, as well as the Prefectural People's Association for an Open and Clean Administration by Prefectural People.

The Liberal Democratic Party and business circles support an anti-reform candidate. Their main concern is to prevent the investigation into corruption scandals that took place in the prefectural government before Ota became the governor on a reform agenda.

During his first term as governor, Ota had a special committee established in the prefectural assembly to review the wasteful public works projects benefiting only large construction firms and pro-business politicians.

In his campaign speech, Ota said, "Passing a no-confidence motion against me was a flagrant assault on the prefectural people and democracy. At issue in this election is whether we want a reform-minded administration to be established or dirty politics to be returned." (end)