Ito Mayor Maki Takubo Opts to Dissolve City Assembly Amid No-Confidence Motion

On September 10, in Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture, Mayor Maki Takubo opted to dissolve the city assembly rather than step down after being confronted with a no-confidence motion. This decision came after a committee found that she had purposely misrepresented her educational background, falsely claiming graduation from Toyo University, from which she had actually been expelled. The assembly was set to vote on a motion of no-confidence against her, which passed unanimously on September 1.

During a press conference following the dissolution, Takubo emphasized her intent to seek a public mandate for reform within the assembly. She expressed discontent with the timing of the no-confidence motion, claiming it disrupted essential assembly functions, including the appointment of a new head for the city's education board. By dissolving the assembly, Takubo hopes to usher in new assembly members who align with her vision for the city’s future.

The dissolution obliges the city to conduct elections for the 20 assembly seats within 40 days, with October 19 expected as a probable date for the election. Takubo is likely to endorse candidates supportive of her administration, focusing on securing at least seven members in the new assembly to safeguard against another no-confidence motion.

Additionally, Takubo faces serious legal challenges, having been criminally accused of three offenses, which include violations of both the Public Offices Election Law and the Local Autonomy Law. Furthermore, a new complaint was filed alleging that she displayed a forged diploma when required to present her academic credentials to others. The allegations and her decisions continue to create a tumultuous political atmosphere in Ito.