2016 Okinawa prefectural election

Prefectural Assembly elections were held in Okinawa Prefecture on 5 June 2016. The election resulted in victory to the camp supporting Governor Takeshi Onaga who won 27 seats, up from 24 seats before the election. 53.31% turned out in the election, an increase of 0.82% from the historic low turnout in 2012.

Campaign

This election is viewed as crucial to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government plan to relocate the Futenma Air Base in Ginowan to Henoko. Governor Takeshi Onaga's camp, which opposes the relocation plan, had 24 seats going into the election.

Results

Aftermath

The results is interpreted as a sign of growing opposition against the Henoko move, especially after the murder case involving a US base worker several weeks before the election. There is a renewed push to review the Status of Forces Agreement between the Japanese and American governments, in place since 1960.

The battle for the Okinawa seat in the House of Councillors election in July will be closely watched. The incumbent, Minister for Okinawa Affairs Aiko Shimajiri is expected to face a tough fight against the former mayor of Ginowan Yoichi Iha. The large anti-base rally planned on 19 June can become an indicator of the local voters mood going into 10 July.

References

1. Okinawa Prefectural Assembly
2. Okinawa Prefecture
3. Miyakojima, Okinawa
4. Relocation of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma
5. Elections in Japan
6. Naval Base Okinawa
7. 2016 Japanese House of Councillors election
8. Ryukyu independence movement
9. Mie Prefecture
10. Nishihara, Okinawa
11. 2016 in Japan
12. Yamaguchi Prefecture
13. List of political parties in Japan
14. Takeshi Onaga
15. List of current Japanese governors
16. NHK Okinawa Broadcasting Station
17. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma
18. Tokyo Metropolitan Government
19. Nago
20. 2009 Tokyo prefectural election