Incumbent Haruo Kataoka, who is in favor of a preliminary survey for hosting a long-term underground nuclear waste storage facility, was re-elected as mayor of a seaside town in western Hokkaido, defeating a candidate opposed to the installation.
Kataoka, 72, won against Yoshiki Echizenya, 70, who had said he would cancel the application if elected, derailing the process. Voter turnout was 84.07%, reflecting the high voter interest. Kataoka garnered 1,135 votes against 900 votes for Echizenya.
"It was a close race," said Kataoka late Tuesday. "I would like to continue learning about nuclear waste even further, discussing it with the people. I don't think I was given a mandate for the survey from winning the election."
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