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Ex-lawmaker asks CEC to allow poll workers to represent independent candidates
Ana Sablan Teregeyo, an independent candidate for the House of Representatives Precinct 1, yesterday asked the Commonwealth Election Commission to allow independent candidates the opportunity to be represented by poll workers and poll supervisors at the polling places designated for the Nov. 8 election.
But CEC counsel assistant attorney general Michael Witry explained that the statute is clear that CEC has no discretion to allow that.
Witry said it is up to the Legislature to amend the law.
Teregeyo said she is fully aware of the statute, Public Law 12-18, as amended, which does not mention of privileges on election day specifically for independent candidates.
Teregeyo, a former long-time lawmaker, said as a certified independent candidate for Precinct 1, she found it very ironic that privileges were not provided for candidates except those who represent the “recognized political parties” of the CNMI.
“To me it is discriminatory. Plain and simple,” she said.
CEC board chair Frances M. Sablan said as AAG Witry stated, CEC is bound by the law.
