# Okinawa local elections > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/okinawa-local-elections > Updated: 2026-09-09T01:10:14.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Unified local elections have commenced across Okinawa Prefecture, involving numerous city, town, and mayoral races. In Ishigaki City, 28 candidates are competing for 22 council seats, with a focus on whether the ruling forces supporting Mayor Yoshitaka Nakayama can retain a majority. Broadly, the elections involve hundreds of candidates addressing regional issues such as economic revitalization, population decline, childcare, and the rising cost of living. Security and military presence remain central themes; candidates have highlighted the need to revise the Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement, specifically regarding transparency and the investigation of PFAS contamination linked to US military bases. Other concerns include noise pollution from Osprey flights and the environmental impacts of military operations. Political parties, including the Japanese Communist Party, are actively fielding candidates to support the administration of Governor Denny Tamaki. Amidst the campaigning, some reports of voter confusion have emerged regarding early voting schedules due to overlapping election timelines. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: Okinawa local elections begin with 21 town council races Okinawa local elections have begun with 21 town council and three mayoral races announced, featuring 288 candidates focusing on economic issues, military presence, and environmental concerns. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/okinawa-local-elections-begin-with-21-town-council-races ### 2026-09-06: Okinawa local elections begin with Ishigaki City Council race Unified local elections have begun in Okinawa, including the Ishigaki City Council race. Key issues include economic revitalization, agricultural decline, and US military base-related concerns. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/okinawa-local-elections-begin-with-ishigaki-city-council-race --- Cite as: Okinawa local elections. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/okinawa-local-elections