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NMC student election features four candidates
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Posted on Sep 21 2011
By Moneth Deposa
Reporter
Reporter
Four candidates were certified as this year’s contenders for the Associated Students of Northern Marianas College election next week.
Leo Pangelinan, dean of Student Services, said yesterday that these contenders may also be considered sure winners because they are running unopposed for each position available. However, the organization will be allowing write-in candidates for each position during election day on Sept. 26 and 27.
The candidates are Lawrence Camacho for president, Keolester Buenpacifico for vice president, Lauren Jardinero for secretary; and Eldred Sanchez for senator.
Pangilinan said that no candidate was certified eligible to run for treasurer.
Saipan Tribune learned that a total of 59 nominations were received for all positions, including the newly opened seats for student senators. Of all nominees, 14 submitted applications but only five met the eligibility requirements.
The ASNMC approved 23 amendments to its bylaws in the spring 2011 semester. Of these changes, two are considered major: the creation of three senator positions, raising the number of seats to seven; and setting a higher GPA criteria for all elected student leaders. The previous cumulative GPA requirement of 2.5 for a student to become a candidate was raised to 3.2. Once elected, the student leader shall maintain a 3.0 GPA. Failing to maintain the required GPA will cause the student leader’s removal from office. Each student leader will have a term of two semesters.
Pangelinan said that only one nominee met the requirements for the three senatorial seats.
According to him, the changes to the ASNMC bylaws have been on the table for two years and were initiated by former president Antonio Tiples last semester.
He is convinced that setting a higher standard for student leaders ensures that “students elected and chosen to lead and become a voice for their peers are also models of academic excellence.”
All regular NMC students are considered ASNMC members and are expected to participate in the two-day election. On Thursday, Sept. 22, all candidates will face students in a forum at 3pm at the Student Center.
NMC provides a $100 monthly stipend to officers, who are required to put in 20 hours of service a month.
