Photo/Illutration Maki Takubo, former Ito mayor (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

ITO, Shizuoka Prefecture—Former Ito Mayor Maki Takubo has announced that she will enter the upcoming mayoral election triggered by her own ouster.

Takubo, 55, held a news conference in the city on Nov. 19 to announce her candidacy in the election.

Takubo apologized for causing significant inconvenience and concern to residents after incorrect academic credentials were published in the city’s official newsletter.

“If you will entrust me once again with this city’s future, I want to take on the challenge of the mayoral race,” she said.

Official campaigning begins on Dec. 7, with voting scheduled for Dec. 14.

Takubo is the sixth candidate to enter the race and more are expected.

Observers warn that there is a possibility of a run-off if no candidate secures the necessary number of votes to win.

If a run-off occurs, the political turmoil in the city administration will drag on even longer.

Takubo was first elected in May but faced allegations of falsifying her academic history, claiming to have graduated from Toyo University in Tokyo, when she had actually had been expelled.

The city assembly passed a no-confidence motion, prompting Takubo to dissolve the assembly and hold elections in October.

However, the newly elected assembly members again passed a no-confidence motion, forcing Takubo from office.

Other mayoral candidates include the former Ito mayor defeated by Takubo in May.

Takubo has justified her own political decisions—such as dissolving the assembly—by citing the need for city and assembly reforms.

She is expected to once again campaign as a reformist.

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