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Teno signs election reform law
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Posted on Sep 18 2000
Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio has signed legislation reforming “archaic” elections laws in the CNMI to give ample time to the Board of Elections for its implementation ahead of next year’s general polls.
But he prodded lawmakers to correct a major provision regarding residency requirement for eligibility to vote on the islands for fear of future constitutional challenge.
Public Law 12-18 or the “Northern Mariana Islands Election Reform Act of 2000” updates existing statute passed in 1977 governing such political exercise aimed at ensuring smooth polling system here.
It puts in place new procedures and requirements for the registration of voters and the overall conduct of elections, such as prevention of intimidation of voters and administration by BOE during polls.
Lawmakers had stressed the measure would meet the tests and demands of the growing population as well as the ever-evolving political development in the Commonwealth since existing policies were found to be ambiguous and problematic.
“With the general election just around the corner, the Election Commission needs this legislation to efficiently conduct the upcoming election,” Mr. Tenorio said in signing the new law.
He added this would give “ample time” to plan and implement new guidelines and procedures for the November 2001 exercise where gubernatorial, senatorial and congressional seats are up for voting.
But the governor expressed concern over the provision changing the residency requirement of an eligible voter from the current 45 days to 120 days.
“This provision may be vulnerable to challenge on constitutional grounds,” he explained. “To avoid the legal and political costs of such litigation, I urge the Legislature to reconsider its directive in this matter.”
Mr. Tenorio asked BOE Executive Gregorio C. Sablan to work closely with legislators to address the concern so that an amendment to PL 12-18 can be immediately enacted.
