In the recent elections in Okinawa, all candidates supported by the 'All Okinawa' coalition lost to the LDP, marking the first such occurrence since the electoral system was changed in 1996.
In the latest election results from Okinawa, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has achieved a complete sweep of all four electoral districts, marking the first time since 1996 that this has occurred under the current electoral system. This election has been particularly contentious, centered around the controversial relocation of the U.S. military’s Futenma Air Station to Henoko in Nago City. Candidates supported by the 'All Okinawa' coalition, which includes Governor Denny Tamaki and other anti-relocation advocates from centrist reform groups and the Communist Party, were unable to secure any victories against the LDP candidates.
The defeat for 'All Okinawa' is significant, especially given their previous electoral successes in the region. The coalition had managed to win all seats in the 2014 elections and had continued to perform respectably in subsequent elections, but this latest outcome indicates a troubling decline in their political influence. Factors contributing to this shift may include internal divisions among anti-relocation factions, as well as the LDP's strategic positioning on key local issues, particularly the base relocation debate, which remains a point of contention.
As Okinawa approaches its upcoming gubernatorial election this fall, the 'All Okinawa' coalition faces a pressing need to reassess its strategy and rekindle its support among local constituents to avoid further losses. The implications of this election result could resonate beyond local politics, affecting broader discussions regarding U.S.-Japan relations and military presence in the region, as local sentiments about military bases significantly influence electoral outcomes.
