Babauta nominated to serve on CEC board

In his capacity as acting governor, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang has nominated Susan R. Babauta, a retired educator, to serve as a member of the Commonwealth Election Commission board representing Saipan and Northern Islands.

If confirmed by the Senate, Babauta will serve a four-year term, which will expire on July 21, 2027.

Apatang informed Senate President Edith E. DeLeon Guerrero (D-Saipan) on Tuesday that she and Gov. Arnold I. Palacios are confident that the nominee is qualified and will be an asset on the CEC board.

Last month, CEC executive director Kayla S. Igitol asked Palacios to fill the board vacancies after informing him that, instead of a full complement of nine, CEC currently has only five commissioners—just enough to have a quorum to conduct any business.

Currently, there are three vacant commissioner positions for Saipan. The current Saipan commissioners are CEC chair Jesus I. Sablan and Remedio Sablan.

There is one vacant commissioner position for Tinian. The current commissioner for Tinian is John Diego Attao.

Rota has no vacant position. Rota’s current commissioners are Esther A. Yatar and Lelanie I. Manglona.

Igitil said that filling the vacancies on the CEC board will allow the commission to ensure that CNMI elections are held with impartiality and fairness.

This year’s election will be held on Nov. 5, 2024.

Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang