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Candidates warned vs wrongful use of CNMI seal
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Posted on Sep 12 2005
Political candidates were warned yesterday against the improper use of the Commonwealth’s official seal, particularly with respect to campaigning for the Nov. 5 general election.
In a statement, the Attorney General’s Office said it had come to its attention that certain individuals and groups were using the CNMI seal for campaigning purposes. “This is improper, as the use of the seal is not authorized,” the AGO said.
The agency reminded candidates that Commonwealth law restricted the use of the CNMI seal to official acts of the governor or the Legislature. Only the AGO may authorize use of the seal outside of these limited circumstances.
“All political candidates, parties, politically oriented websites (or other medium) and other persons and entities, must immediately cease and desist from displaying the Commonwealth seal in connection with their political campaigning,” the AGO said.
Anyone who continues to use the seal is subject to prosecution, the agency added.
Besides being a violation of the law, such improper use of the Commonwealth seal could mislead the public, the AGO noted.
“The Commonwealth government does not officially support any candidate or party. Therefore, unauthorized use of the seal creates the false impression of sponsorship, approval, certification, affiliation, connection, or association between the CNMI government and political candidates and parties. Such affiliations are untrue. As a result, the AGO has not authorized [and will not authorize] the use of the seal for any political party or candidate,” the AGO said.
