Ind-Dems form coalition
The CNMI Democratic Party and independents have formed a coalition which only continues to grow stronger.
With the 2024 general elections just right around the corner, you’d think that political parties would be gearing up to go head-to-head but not in the CNMI. Just a few months away from election season, the CNMI Democrats and independents have come together to support one another and continue to strengthen their new formed coalition when they filed their candidacies together last week.
Democratic DNC delegate Leila Staffler said the joint candidacy filing was very energetic and reinvigorating.
“The Democratic Party and the Independent partners maintain their commitment to accountability and raising the integrity of the government. I believe ‘IN Dem.’ I urge the rest of the CNMI to ‘Vote Dem back IN,’ in November,” she said.
Rep. Diego Vincent Fejeran Camacho (D-Saipan) said he thanks both political parties for coming out last week to show their support as he and others filed their candidacies.
“[Last Tuesday], in the presence of families, friends, and supporters, my fellow Democrats and I, along with the independent coalition, officially filed our candidacy nominating petitions in hopes of serving the people of the Marianas. We all know and feel the effects of our current economic condition however, I firmly believe we’ve been fiscally responsible and transparent in our government operations with budgeting and trimming unnecessary spending. Moreover, I have tried my very best to introduce sensible legislation for a more responsible and accountable government while balancing community projects and events to which I’ve dedicated most of my office resources towards. It is my sincere desire to continue working collaboratively with my colleagues and the administration to navigate our Commonwealth through these trying times and I ask the good people of precinct one, once again, to put their trust and confidence in me and our team to continue representing their interest in their house. I thank all the candidates for their willingness to serve our people and wish them well this election.” he said
U.S. delegate candidate Rep. Edwin K. Propst (D-Saipan), for his part, said he is humbled and moved by the turnout and support he and his party has received when the Independent and Democratic coalition filed for their respective candidacies.
“These are challenging times for us, and we must continue to focus on rebuilding our economy. We must continue to work with our leaders in Guam to address our regional issues. Together we have a stronger voice as one Marianas” he said.
Saipan candidate for Senate, Manny Tenorio Castro, expressed his gratitude for the support shown by both parties.
“Thank you, Ghilisou, yan un Dangkulu na Si Yu’us Ma’asi to our fellow coalition candidates, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP), [Saipan] Mayor Ramon B. “RB” Camacho, and most especially our families and supporters for your participation at our petition submission,” he said.
“As President Abraham Lincoln wisely said, ‘the best way to predict the future is to create it.’ Our community holds immense power to shape the tomorrow we desire. Let’s continue to harness that power and build a brighter future for us all. We must unite in our endeavor to advance our Commonwealth and its people,” he added.
Leila Staffler
