NMI Dems in the midst of reconstitution

The CNMI Democratic Party held its general membership meeting in June of this year. At the meeting, the membership elected 20 members of the Central Executive Committee and chose party officers. The Central Executive Committee has been meeting regularly since then, working in small groups to reconstitute, realign, and clearly articulate the party’s philosophy and values to meet the challenges of our changing times and the reality of the millennial generation’s demands.

The working groups have been laboring hard in their subject areas. Similar tasks are ongoing, including the appointment of former judge Herb Soll last Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, to head the Gubernatorial Search Committee. The results of their efforts will be presented for ratification at a general membership meeting in a convention-like format on March 4, 2017.

Once the organizational and governing policies, procedures and by-laws of the party are ratified by the convention delegates, a re-chartering process will follow to meet the requirements of applicable statutes and regulations.

Since the 1998 general election, the party has not been able to achieve the successes that it previously enjoyed. The party had been a serious political contender, electing two governors, but for the past 32 years the Republican and Covenant parties have dominated and controlled the lives of our citizens. They have had a nearly unfettered reign of power over all matters affecting the livelihood of our people.

In the 32 years of Republican/Covenant administration, the Commonwealth has experienced many serious problems caused by unprincipled leaders who defied the will of our citizens, and by a lack of appreciation of the consequences of their actions. We recall the impeachment of a sitting governor, who resigned in disgrace; the criminal conviction of a lieutenant governor; the death spiral and ultimate demise of the NMI Retirement Fund, which caused thousands of our hardworking government employees to lose their retirement security for which they worked so hard; various malfeasant acts of department heads; and the bankruptcy of the Saipan credit union.

Our Constitution is supposed to be the guiding principles of our leaders’ playbook; unfortunately it’s been used to promote and advance selfish political agenda. If one looks at how dispositions of public lands are decided, it makes you question seriously, whose constitutional interests are being protected and advanced. Collectively, the people have not been consulted on major decisions affecting us, and when they have been consulted, the will of the people has been trumped and cast aside. These are just a few of many disgraceful and despicable acts that have occurred during the Republican/Covenant regime.

Had the Democratic Party been able to reorganize and put aside its internal differences, providing a hopeful alternative for our citizens, perhaps the political and social consequences would not have been as unfortunate as it has been under the Republican/Covenant leadership.

The efforts currently being undertaken by our Central Executive Committee members are undertaken with those past experiences in mind. We do this to accentuate those affirmative values that characterize the party’s organizational greatness and political competitiveness, so that our citizens will have a viable and convincing choice of political parties. The future welfare of the people of the CNMI demands no less.

To members of our community who are looking for a viable political force and are interested in being part of a new political movement for change, not only are you openly welcome, your contribution and membership are truly valued. Please call any of these numbers for information and registration (670) 989-8526 or 287-4536.

On behalf of the Democratic Party of the Northern Marianas, we extend our profound appreciation to the hardworking groups of our Central Executive Committee members who cared enough and tirelessly volunteered their time to begin the process for reconstituting our party, the peoples’ party. May the celebration and spirit of Christmas bring good tidings and joy to all our citizens in the Commonwealth.