election

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JCP, Social Mass Party, SDP, and DPJ agree to join forces in Okinawa City mayoral election

With the mayoral election slated for April 23 in Okinawa City, the Japanese Communist Party, the Okinawa Social Mass Party, and the Social Democratic Party, and the Democratic Party on February 1 agreed to work together for the victory of Tomon Mitsuko, incumbent SDP-Okinawa vice chair, on a common election platform.

The common basic policies include: (1) oppose the reinforcement of U.S. military bases under the U.S. military realignment plan, and make efforts to protect the natural environment in the city; (2) oppose constitutional revision, and implement the constitutional principles of peace, democracy, and self-government in citizens' daily living conditions; (3) defend the Basic Law of Education and improve school facilities/education; and (4) take urgent steps to protect small- and medium-sized businesses and local industries.

Tomon, 64-year-old former House of Representatives member and former Okinawa vice governor, promised in another agreement that she will resign from the Social Democratic Party and run in the election as an independent candidate.

The mayoral election of Okinawa City with a population of 130,000 will be contested between Tomon and Kuwae Asachio, 50-years-old, who is backed by the Liberal Democratic Party and other conservatives.
-Akahata, February 2, 2006