Fukushima Gov. Uchibori wins fourth term in landslide election

Fukushima – Incumbent Fukushima Gov. Masao Uchibori won a fourth term in a landslide in Sunday’s gubernatorial election.

Uchibori, 62, received support from local chapters of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and three opposition parties — the Democratic Party for the People, Komeito and the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan — and beat the six other candidates, including Tomoko Oyamada, 33, from the Japanese Communist Party.

Uchibori garnered 585,641 votes, with Oyamada trailing far behind in second place with 36,839 votes.

During the campaign, Uchibori emphasized his commitment to reconstruction efforts following the March 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster. He also campaigned on countermeasures against depopulation.

Voter turnout was 44.05%, up from 42.58% in the previous election.