A record seven candidates are in the running to become the next governor of Hyogo Prefecture, in an election that is expected to put an end to months of stagnated governance as a result of allegations of workplace bullying against former Gov. Motohiko Saito.
All seven are independents, though some of them are receiving support — officially and unofficially — from political parties.
Saito, who faced accusations of misconduct that included workplace bullying, automatically lost his position on Sept. 29 — 10 days after the prefectural assembly’s unanimous vote of no confidence against him. In late September, when he announced his decision to seek reelection, he said he wished to obtain a “fresh mandate” from the prefecture’s electorate.
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