‘CNMI controlled by 1 party for decades not healthy for democracy’

Former House lawmaker Christina “Tina” Sablan said yesterday that it’s not healthy for any democracy having a government such as the CNMI controlled by one political party for decades.

“The sheer number of independent candidates and their supporters represents a direct challenge to the status quo,” said Sablan who is running as an independent for a Precinct 2 seat in the House of Representatives.

Precinct 2 covers Susupe, Chalan Kanoa, As Lito, Finasisu, As Perdido, and Laly 4 on Saipan.

Sablan used to serve as a representative for Precinct 1 in the 16th Legislature.

Sablan shared her views about independent candidates in response to Saipan Tribune’s request for comments about a new phenomenon in CNMI political history in which a staggering number of candidates—39 so far—are running as independents in this Nov. 6 general election.

She said there is a very real sense that the current leadership has been giving away the islands to special interests and passing laws that undermine the wellbeing of the whole community.

Sablan cited a few examples like the recent bill to bring poker machines back into the villages and the massive salary increases for elected and appointed officials.

“People are hungry for change,” she said.

Sablan said there are independents and Democrats who are stepping up to offer new options and ideas, and who are forming coalitions to work together and support each other in the Nov. 6 race.

She said they included both new and seasoned candidates, and that they represent a “hopeful and growing movement.”

“It’s exciting. I’m proud to be part of it,” Sablan said.

Sablan said many independent candidates, including herself, are supporting Delegate Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Ind-MP) for his re-election for U.S. delegate and Juan N. Babauta and Dr. Rita Sablan for governor and lieutenant governor, respectively.

Sablan said she cannot and do not speak for all independent candidates as they are all independents after all.

She noted that both delegate Sablan and the Babauta-Sablan team have been very supportive of many independent candidates.

Sablan is currently the deputy communications director and outreach coordinator for delegate Sablan. She previously worked as a reporter and anchor for KSPN 2.