Ehime governor announces bid for fifth term in November election
In short
Ehime Governor Tokihiro Nakamura (中村時広), 66, announced on October 8 that he will seek a fifth term as an independent. Voting and counting are scheduled for November 15, with two other candidates also announcing bids.
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Ehime Governor Tokihiro Nakamura (中村時広) announced on October 8 that he would run as an independent for a fifth term in the November 15 gubernatorial election. Nakamura, 66, made the announcement at a news conference in Matsuyama. The election, following the expiry of his term, will be formally announced on October 29. [ 5 ]
Nakamura said he had worked to fulfil his promises but still had goals he had not achieved, Yomiuri Shimbun reported. He was first elected governor in 2010 after serving in the House of Representatives and as mayor of Matsuyama, and is now in his fourth term. [ 3 ]
TBS reported that Nakamura presented 110 pledges for a fifth term. His programme keeps three priorities he has used since his second term: disaster prevention and mitigation, measures to address population decline, and revitalisation of the regional economy. He said concrete policies were essential to justify seeking office. [ 6 ]
The programme adds an emphasis on government and private-sector cooperation and on the perspectives of young people and women. Nippon TV reported proposals to raise the competitiveness and value of prefectural products through public-private cooperation and address the net outflow of young women. [ 4 ]
TBS also reported a proposal to work with Matsuyama on attracting facilities such as an international conference venue and hotels around the prefectural cultural hall. Nakamura said this should be considered in conjunction with the city's planning under its new administration. [ 6 ]
Two newcomers have also announced independent bids, according to Yomiuri Shimbun: a 51-year-old former member of the House of Representatives and a 74-year-old civic-group secretariat head. [ 3 ]
Why it matters
Nakamura's proposed fifth-term programme retains measures on disaster preparedness, population decline and the regional economy. It adds an emphasis on cooperation between government and business and on the perspectives of young people and women.
Key facts
- Nakamura announced his candidacy at a news conference in Matsuyama on October 8. [ 5 ]
- The election will be formally announced on October 29, with voting on November 15. [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]
- Nakamura was first elected governor in 2010 and is serving his fourth term. [ 3 , 4 ]
- TBS reported that his programme contains 110 pledges. [ 6 ]
- Two other candidates have announced independent bids. [ 3 ]