 JCP Shii calls for support of JCP-backed candidate for Naha mayoral election On October 29 in Okinawa's Naha City, Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo made a speech in support of Takasato Suzuyo, the JCP-supported candidate in the Naha mayoral election. At a JCP's speech assembly with about 1,200 people participating, Shii said that Takasato's victory will pave the way for a base-free Okinawa, stressing that she carries on the tradition of the progressive city administration leading the anti-base movement. From 1968 to 2000, Naha City was under a progressive administration in which the JCP was one of the ruling parties. Former assembly vice-chair Takasato, who is also supported by the Okinawa Social Mass Party, the Social Democratic Party, and the Democratic Party of Japan, is to challenge incumbent Onaga Takeshi backed by the Liberal Democratic and Komei parties. Before the speech assembly, Shii visited Okinawa International University in Ginowan City to see the site of the U.S. military helicopter crash and meet with OIU President Toguchi Tomoaki. Shii also had a talk with Ginowan Mayor Iha Yoichi. (end) |