‘TP’s victory is NMI’s own’

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres claims that his and his running-mate’s victory is also a victory for the Commonwealth people, with the GOP bets aiming to continue the economic gains the CNMI has gone through in the last four years.

Torres earned a full four-year mandate after he and lieutenant governor-elect Senate Arnold I. Palacios (R-Saipan) defeated the independent tandem of former governor Juan N. Babauta and Dr. Rita A. Sablan, whose partnership also earned the backing of the local Democratic Party.

The GOP bets earned a total of 8,922 votes against the 5,420 garnered by the Babauta-Sablan team, for a winning margin of 3,502.

Of the more than 18,000 registered voters, a total of 14,322 votes were cast.

“Today, progress moves forward for the Marianas. It moves forward because of you. It moves forward because you believe in progress, a brighter future, and a stronger Marianas,” said Torres in a statement last night.

“On behalf of lieutenant governor-elect Palacios and his family, thank you, un dangkulu na si yu’us ma’ase yan ghilisou…thank you for all of your support.”

Torres thanked all people from all sides of the political aisle and to all who voted in the election. “Whether you were a Republican, an independent, or a Democrat, you made your voice heard by voting for the direction you want for your islands.”

He also thanked the local GOP.

“Remember always that we are one Marianas, and we will make sure that we continue our progress together so that you and your families can live prosperously. This is your victory.”

Continue with progress

He said that he and Palacios would work harder to continue the economic progress of the Commonwealth, to invest in education and workforce development, to improve the healthcare system, and to improve safety in villages.

Torres said they would also focus on the CNMI’s recovery efforts from two devastating typhoons: Typhoon Mangkhut on Rota and Super Typhoon Yutu on Saipan and Tinian.

“We will continue to lead our recovery efforts so that every person, regardless of income or citizenship, can feel a sense of normalcy again. Our short-term and long-term recovery efforts will remain our top priority. Please continue to stay patient and resilient, Marianas. Assistance continues to come in from partners near and far.”

He also thanked government employees and private sector partners.

“This is a great day for the people of the CNMI. It has been a long day, a long battle, and a long election season. I want to congratulate all of those who have been voted in by the people. It is a process that we respect, and we are just blessed.”

Torres said the support shown by the people was very humbling on their part. “Arnold and I are blessed to be given this greatest honor to guide our people for the next four years. We are very humbled.”