Overview
- The special election was formally announced on November 2 with 25 candidates running for 20 seats and ballots set for November 9.
- Twenty-one candidates say they will support re-passing a no-confidence motion, positioning the mayor for removal if a vote is held and a majority approves.
- A post-election no-confidence vote requires at least two-thirds attendance, so seven or more absences could postpone or block a decision.
- The previous council approved no-confidence on September 26, and the mayor dissolved the chamber on October 6 rather than resign.
- A city-appointed third-party committee concluded the mayor engaged in prolonged harassment and urged his resignation, which he rejects, as the city shoulders roughly ¥25 million in election costs and observers flag ongoing online harassment of victims.