Okinawa's voters set to test Japanese-US relations

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Source: Guardian UK

Voters in Okinawa today placed further strain on Japan's security ties with the US with the near-certain election of a governor opposed to the relocation of a US marine base on the southern Japanese island.

Both of the frontrunners in the election oppose a 2006 agreement to close Futenma airbase, located in the middle of the Okinawan city of Ginowan, and move it to a less populated coastal area.

Early returns showed that the current governor, Hirokazu Nakaima, would be re-elected, narrowly defeating his only serious rival, Yoichi Iha.

Nakaima had originally supported the relocation to Nago, but has since voiced opposition to the move amid mounting pressure from the public. According to an exit poll by the Kyodo news agency, almost 69% of voters said the current relocation agreement was unacceptable.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/nov/28/okinawa-election-us-base-japan