Palacios: I’m very optimistic about the outcome

Gov. Arnold I. Palacios is upbeat on the Democratic Party of the Northern Mariana Islands and independent candidates’ chances in yesterday’s 2024 general elections as he went around polling places on Saipan yesterday.

“I went around the whole island, to all the polling places, and they’ve got a good presence in every polling place. So, I’m very optimistic about the outcome. We’ll see it tomorrow (today),” he said.

Palacios affirmed—through is his own observation—that the election was peaceful and said that peaceful elections are the norm of the region. He also acknowledged that while people get excited, the election usually proceeds smoothly without significant incidents in the CNMI.

The governor also expressed his satisfaction with the democratic process and commended the people who came out to vote.

Palacios arrived past 2pm in the afternoon yesterday at the In-Dems tent located in front of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library in Susupe.

According to Palacios, the JKPL poll site is the last polling place he visited, though he still might have a plan to go back to the Garapan Elementary School pollimg site where he voted early morning yesterday.

“I went to all the polling places today, so this is the last one probably I’m going down to Garapan,” said Palacios.

The governor mentioned that “midterm” elections typically have lower turnouts compared to general elections.

“It’s not going to be as high as the general election, that’s usually the case with midterms, you know but it’s up to the candidates now to get their base out,” said Palacios.

The governor also emphasized the importance of candidates mobilizing their base to vote, expressing optimism about the outcome despite the lower expected turnout.

Propst comes out to vote

Meanwhile, U.S. delegate candidate House floor leader Rep. Edwin K. Propst (D-Saipan) expressed his joy and pride as he emphasized the importance of exercising his constitutional right and voting for the right people after exercising his right to suffrage at Dandan Middle School yesterday morning.

“I feel wonderful. I love every time we vote, it’s a great feeling just exercising, of course, our constitutional right, but making a difference and trying to vote for the right people, and I believe that’s what I did, along with my wife Daisy and my son, who turned 18. He is going to vote later on today. [I’m] so very excited,” said Propst.

At around 9:30am yesterday, Propst along with Precinct 1 representatives seeking re-election Reps. Vincent Seman “Kobre” Aldan (Ind-Saipan) and Diego Vincent Fejeran Camacho (D-Saipan) were seen waving from inside their tents located in front of the Dandan Middle School.

Propst, his wife Daisy, Aldan, and Camacho walked inside the Dandan Middle School campus to vote past 10am. The line was not long, and the school cafeteria, where the voting was being held, could accommodate eight people.

According to Propst, he woke up at 3am in the morning, to answer emails and messages from supporters.

“I woke up this morning at about 3am. I had to answer some emails and respond to some messages, and WhatsApp a lot of love and to respond to as many as I could. I’m getting a ton of messages, and I’m just sending it all the love and gratitude. We are the founders of an independent and democratic coalition,” added Propst.

Meanwhile, Camacho reiterated his faith in God and the people as he emphasized that the outcome is ultimately in the hands of the voters.

“Elections are not guaranteed. You know, anything can happen. But I have faith in the people that they’ve been following everything that we’ve been doing for the past two years, and even before that, somebody didn’t mention talked about change. Well, we changed. We changed it in 2022 we hope that people follow us and everything we’re doing,” said Camacho.

Aldan shared his positive feelings for voting for his team and expressed his faith in the people’s support, despite the unpredictability of election outcomes.

“I have full faith, you know, in God and the people to decide whatever they think is best for, you know, the Commonwealth, you know, and whatever the result may be, it is what it is, you know, the people spoke and, you know, we just let God handle the things we can’t handle, said Aldan.

In an interview with Propst, he reflected on his 10-year journey, starting from his first electoral race with his wife Daisy 10 years ago, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.

“I’d like to say it’s been a great honor and privilege to serve these past 10 years, and I’m prepared, as I should be for both outcomes, win or lose. I love our people. I have full faith in them, and I have the greatest respect. I want to thank Precinct 1 for giving me this opportunity, because 10 years ago, I went over there, walked over with my wife, Daisy, and we voted, and here we are, 10 years later, on the same day election day voting once again. So that’s fantastic, one decade later,” shared Propst.

Aldan thanked the independent and Democratic coalition for their collective efforts and positive results over the past two years, while Camacho emphasized the importance of family and supporters.

Propst extended his gratitude to his colleagues and the community, as he highlighted the importance of working together for the common good.