After their declaration of making Okinawa "the showcase of democracy," the U.S. established the Government of the Ryukyus on April 1, 1952, providing it with legislative, judicial and administrative authority. A legislature election held prior to this proved that a majority of the seats were devoted to promoting Okinawa's reversion to Japan. Alarmed by this result, the U.S. Civil Administration overturned the election and appointed Shuhei Higa as first Chief Executive.