CEC: Runoff most likely to take place

The elections in November this year will likely be followed by a runoff as currently more than three candidates are expected to run for governor, according to the Commonwealth Election Commission.

“We’re expecting more than three gubernatorial and lieutenant governor candidates…and that’s why we’re ready to do the runoff,” CEC chair Frances Sablan told Saipan Tribune Friday.

The runoff was discussed during its last meeting where commissioners acknowledged the need to prepare early.

At present, four individuals have already announced their candidacies. They include the incumbent, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, who has yet to name a running mate under the Covenant banner; Rep. Heinz Hofschneider and running mate House Speaker Arnold I. Palacios, Republican; former governor Juan N. Babauta with Galvin Deleon Guerrero, Republican; and Independent candidates Juan “Pan” T. Guerrero and Ramon “Kumoi” Guerrero.

Last Thursday, former lieutenant governor Rep. Diego Benavente officially backed out from the race.

The Democratic Party, meanwhile, admitted that it will not be fielding any candidate for the highest post.

The CNMI Constitution dictates that a runoff must be conducted if there are more than two candidates for governor.

The board chairwoman said that primaries within the parties will help decide for the run-off election for the CNMI.

“Hopefully the primaries would kick in. It’s when we have mavericks that run under the Republican, Covenant, Democrat, and independent candidates [that necessitates the holding of a runoff election],” she said.

Citing previous election results, Sablan believes that more voters will participate in the general election this year.

“It’s always our expectations…because these candidates will check on their respective supporters,” she said.

Frances Sablan said the agency expects to name a new executive director next month to help them prepare for the upcoming general elections.

During its last board meeting, she disclosed that the board had refined and finalized the details of the qualifications and requirements of the candidate for the position.

The agency will run the job announcement in two weeks’ time and the board hopes to select the best candidate in its next assembly.

NMI Delegate to U.S. Congress Gregorio “Kilili” Sablan was the former executive director of the commission for over 10 years.

The chairwoman admitted that in the absence of qualifications set for the position, the board had decided to establish the standard that will determine the qualified applicant.

“In the absence of qualifications because nobody has a copy of it…we have to come up with one and so when we announce the vacancy, the clear standard is set,” she told Saipan Tribune yesterday.

“By March, we’re hoping to name a new executive director,” she said.

Sablan said among the minimum requirements for the candidate include the college degree, management skills, and related work experience.

“We can say that the requirements set are very basic and we just want the individual to have knowledge on the laws especially the special election law,” she said.

The board is offering a $48,000 starting salary for the executive director based on qualifications and requirements.