Motohiko Saito, who was at the center of a scandal involving workplace bullying and corruption allegations, has triumphed in the gubernatorial election in Hyogo Prefecture. Despite being forced out of office after a no-confidence motion was passed against him, Saito managed to regain the confidence of voters and secure a second term as governor. During the campaign, Saito defended his actions and emphasized his prior performance in office, focusing on his three-year tenure and attempting to widen his support base through social media engagement and volunteer support.
The election saw Saito facing off against Kazumi Inamura, who criticized Saito's handling of the scandal and garnered support from various political parties and local officials. The voting results showed a significant increase in Saito's support, with him receiving over a million votes and winning in urban areas such as Kobe, Himeji, and Nishinomiya. Despite the controversy surrounding his previous term, Saito's message resonated with voters, leading to a successful re-election bid. Moreover, the turnout rate for the election saw an increase from the previous election in 2021, indicating heightened interest and engagement from the electorate.
The scandal that engulfed Saito's administration stemmed from accusations of workplace bullying and improper dealings, leading to a senior government official's suicide after making allegations against Saito and his aides. The subsequent establishment of a special investigation committee by the prefectural assembly aimed to delve into the scandal and hold individuals accountable. Saito's victory in the election sets the stage for continued scrutiny and potential repercussions as the committee prepares to compile its findings and investigate further.