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Okinawan vote sends message to Hashimoto
90 percent want U.S. military presence reduced
September 9, 1996
Web posted at: 1:45 p.m. EDT (1745 GMT)
From Correspondent May Lee
TOKYO (CNN) -- Okinawa's referendum on U.S. bases on the island was non-binding -- but it is guaranteed to have an impact.
Nearly 90 percent of ballots cast were in favor of reducing the U.S. military presence, and Okinawans who voted were pleased to have their say.
Despite the relatively low voter turnout of 60 percent, supporters say the near-unanimous vote is more than enough to send a clear message to decision-makers in Tokyo.
Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto is on the receiving end of that message. He is in the precarious political position of trying to balance the needs of Okinawans with the demands of the United States and his own coalition government.
So far, his approach has been uncharacteristically humble.
"The Okinawan referendum is a harsh scolding for those of us who have forgotten the hardship the Okinawan people have endured for so many years," he said.
Political analysts say humility and understanding must be followed up with concrete action to win over frustrated Okinawans.
"I think he can win if he can convince Governor Ota that he will really provide special treatment, particularly in helping Okinawa economically," said Haruo Shimada.
But there's a big obstacle to progress on the issue: Gov. Masahide Ota's refusal to renew leases for land occupied by U.S. bases.
Sparked by the rape last year of an Okinawan school girl by U.S. servicemen, Ota has led the charge to reduce U.S. bases on his island. On Tuesday, he plans to meet with Hashimoto.
"Prime Minister Hashimoto will deal with the Okinawa issue as one of the most important issues for the entire government," Ota said. "We hope the meeting will produce specific direction towards a solution of the issue."
If it doesn't, Ota may continue to refuse to sign the leases, forcing Hashimoto to sign them himself. And analysts say that kind of strong-arm tactic would be political suicide.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- Okinawans want U.S. soldiers out - September 8, 1996
- Okinawa ruling aids U.S. - August 28, 1996
- Clinton warns Japan against U.S. troop cutbacks - April 18, 1996
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