SDP won't support a reformist-backed candidate in Okinawa

Japan Press Weekly

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

SDP won't support a reformist-backed candidate in Okinawa

The Japanese Communist Party Okinawa Prefectural Committee on May 31 called on the Social Democratic Party and the Okinawa Social Mass Party to cooperate in the House of Councilors Okinawa constituency election and together endorse Iju Tadayuki, an independent candidate backed by an association with progressive, democratic organizations, individuals, and the JCP participating.

However, the SDP stated, "No," to the possibility of its support for Iju.

JCP Okinawa Prefectural Committee Secretary Fukugen Muneyoshi explained that the Association for a Peaceful, Rich Okinawa without Military Bases endorses Iju for the upcoming Upper House election and widely opens its door for support from every political party, organization, and individual based on three political positions: stick to the position calling for the unconditional removal of the Futenma base and opposing the relocation of the base in Okinawa; not side with any power or any party that takes a stand for the relocation of the base in Okinawa; and seek a base-free peaceful Okinawa without the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty in the future.

The government led by the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) has already agreed with the United States on the construction of a new base in the Henoko district of Nago City as replacement for the Futenma base.

Asked by reporters about the recent SDP position, Furugen said, "It is as a matter of course for the SDP to leave the ruling coalition." However, he went on to say, "If the SDP cooperates with the DPJ, I think it will face difficulty in maintaining the position of 'not siding with any power or any party that takes a stand for the relocation of the base in Okinawa'."

Reporters asked SDP Okinawa Prefectural Chapter Head Shinzato Yonekichi, "Will your party support Iju? Won't you have more negotiations with the JCP?" Shinzato answered, "No."

- Akahata, June 1, 2010