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Longer terms pushed for election commissioners
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Posted on Nov 24 2008
Members of the Commonwealth Election Commission will be able to serve an unlimited number of terms under a bill now bound for a final vote in the Senate.
The House of Representatives has approved legislation that would remove the term limits imposed upon the election commissioners. Currently, the commissioners can serve no more than two consecutive four-year terms.
The bill, which originated from the Senate, will become law once the Upper House accepts the technical amendments made by the Lower House, and the governor signs the bill.
The House Committee on the United States and Foreign Affairs, which reviewed the bill, notes that the relatively smaller communities of Tinian and Rota have a restricted pool of potential appointees for the Commonwealth Election Commission. The committee adds that this difficulty could hamper the commission’s functions since the commission cannot meet and take official action unless there is a member present from all three senatorial districts.
“As a matter of policy, it is logical to remove the limited term provision,” the committee states.
All 18 members present during the session voted in favor of the bill. Representatives Diego Benavente and Joseph Reyes were absent.
The members currently sitting on the Election Commission are chairwoman Frances M. Sablan, Elizabeth DLG. Aldan, Melvin B. Sablan, Jose L. Itibus, and Jesus M. Sablan, all from Saipan; Donald M. Hofschneider and Jose P. Kiyoshi from Tinian; and Miranda V. Manglona from Rota. One seat for Rota is vacant.
