NAGO, Okinawa Pref. -- Voters went to the polls Sunday to choose a new mayor in an election with implications not only for the city of Nago but also the realignment of U.S. military bases in Japan.

Although most of the media tied the election to the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station to Nago, some voters said Sunday they were more concerned about the local economy.

Among the three candidates -- all members of the Nago Municipal Assembly -- independent Yoshikazu Shimabukuro, the head of the assembly and backed by the liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, appeared to be headed for victory as votes were counted Sunday night.