Key Facts: Uruma City Mayoral Election
The Uruma City mayoral election, prompted by the expiration of the current term, is set to take place on April 27. Three candidates are vying for the position: Moriyuki Teruya, a 69-year-old independent and former vice chair of the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly; Masato Nakamura, the 60-year-old incumbent mayor running as an independent with endorsements from the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito; and Taiga Teruya, a 53-year-old independent and former prefectural assembly member, supported by the Japanese Communist Party, Constitutional Democratic Party, Social Democratic Party, and Okinawa Social Mass Party.
The election has centered on key issues such as national security, economic development, employment, education, and childcare support. Voters are faced with a choice between continuing Nakamura’s administration or opting for a new direction. The outcome of this election is expected to influence the political landscape ahead of next year’s Okinawa gubernatorial election.
Polling stations across 31 locations in Uruma City will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with some areas closing earlier at 4:00 PM or 7:00 PM. A supplementary election for three vacant city council seats will also be held on the same day. Results are anticipated to be announced around 11:30 PM.
On the final day of campaigning, April 26, each candidate held closing rallies in different parts of the city. Moriyuki Teruya emphasized the city’s financial challenges, stating, “The city’s finances are in a critical state. If the current administration continues, it will not be sustainable. I will lead Uruma City out of this crisis.”
Masato Nakamura highlighted his vision for a thriving community, saying, “I aim to create a society where a robust local economy supports welfare, fostering a city that inspires its residents.”
Taiga Teruya focused on empowering the younger generation and advocating for the city on a national level, declaring, “I will dedicate myself to building a city where children can realize their potential and become a mayor who speaks up to the national government.”
As of April 19, the number of registered voters in Uruma City stands at 100,045, with 49,510 men and 50,535 women.
Uruma City Mayoral Election: Key Details
The Uruma City mayoral election, triggered by the end of the current term, will be held on April 27. Three candidates are competing: Moriyuki Teruya, a 69-year-old independent and former vice chair of the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly; Masato Nakamura, the 60-year-old incumbent mayor running as an independent with endorsements from the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito; and Taiga Teruya, a 53-year-old independent and former prefectural assembly member, supported by the Japanese Communist Party, Constitutional Democratic Party, Social Democratic Party, and Okinawa Social Mass Party.
Polling stations in 31 locations across Uruma City will operate from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with some closing earlier at 4:00 PM or 7:00 PM. A supplementary election for three vacant city council seats will also occur on the same day. Results are expected around 11:30 PM.
As of April 19, Uruma City has 100,045 registered voters, comprising 49,510 men and 50,535 women.
For more details, visit Ryukyu Shimpo.
