As the Nov. 6 mid-term elections draw near, hundreds turned out for separate political rallies during the weekend advocating everything from “clean government,” to “impeachment,” “unity” and “the real party that belongs to the people,” among other things.
On Saturday, private citizens led by Michael Geisinger held a rally for “clean government” or “people power” at Minachom Atdao in Susupe, joined by a coalition of political groups-the Covenant Party, so-called Independent Republicans, Independents, and the Democratic Party.
Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan (Ind-MP) fired up the crowd with a speech that urged people to vote for candidates that do not support corruption to ensure a transparent and accountable government.
Dr. Ignacia Demapan, the only other delegate candidate in the 2012 race, held a road waving at about the same time, by the Carolinian Utt in Garapan.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial's Republican Party also held a rally on Sunday, primarily for the GOP's Refaluwasch members and their families on Sunday.
But the governor said the major Republican Party rally that will bring together all members and supporters will be on Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Garapan Fishing Base.
Fitial said yesterday's crowd was “very encouraging,” the same description used by Covenant Party chair Greg Kazuma Camacho on Saturday at their campaign rally. Both events drew hundreds.
The governor and press secretary Angel Demapan said the Republican Party is the only party that has a complete slate and platform, unlike the other parties.
“That's their prerogative. But you know, I hope that that coalition would have some platform or plans as to what they plan to do for the people,” Fitial said, adding that his administration has always run under the principle of five E's-economy, education, environment, essentials, and ethics.
Canice F. Rabauliman, of Tanapag, said the Fitial administration has not been making good on its promises. He said he will vote for those who are not aligned with the governor.
Rabauliman, 58, was holding a placard at the rally for clean government that reads, “Impeach,” saying that he hopes the incoming 18th Legislature “will impeach the governor, my uncle.”
Ken Kramer, an environmentalist, said it's up to the people to rid the government of corruption.
“Remove the Ben 10 because they are working for Fitial, not working for the people. We want people in government that are working for the people, elected by the people, for the people, not for the governor,” he said.
Demapan said it is good that people are coming out to support clean government.
“That's exactly what the Republican Party supports,” he told reporters yesterday. “The baffling part is to see lawmakers there that are not so clean but are rallying for a clean government. So it's kind of confusing to see some lawmakers supporting a rally against themselves.”
Demapan also said it took only one party-the Republican Party-to have a huge turnout.
“That's why clearly we know which party belongs to the people,” he added.
Organizers for the rally for clean government said they have many silent supporters because they fear retaliation from the administration that includes getting fired from their government jobs.
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