Youth Congress draws 80 percent of voters

Of the 3,331 registered youth voters for this year’s Youth Congress, some 80 percent or more than 2,664 youth members in the CNMI went to the polling precincts to cast their votes.

Twenty-three seats were up for grabs in yesterday’s 8th CNMI Youth Congress elections, with a total of 47 candidates vying for the youths’ votes. This is an increase in the number of candidates and registered voters, compared with the previous year.

Youth Congress adviser Alicia Leon Guerrero earlier said there were only 36 candidates and about 2,000 voters last year.

Youth Congress officials set up the polling stations in schools and precincts on Saipan, Rota and Tinian as early as 7am and closed at 6pm. The counting of the ballots had yet to be done at the Legislature as of press time.

“This year’s election was challenging, educational and intense,” said Guerrero, who added there were more candidates this year who were more intelligent and seemed very promising.

This year’s candidates were between 16 to18 years old. Guerrero said the new candidates could share new and fresh ideas that focus on education, economy and employment.

Guerrero earlier said the growing interest of the youth in the congress actually started with the 6th Youth Congress. She said the youth are beginning to realize that there’s meaning to the activity, as they get more involved and take the initiative to volunteer for Youth Congress activities.

Nine of this year’s candidates are seeking reelection: Juan DLG Pinaula of Marianas High School; Ma. Aileen Arnold of Northern Marianas College; Rika Matsumoto of Grace Christian Academy; John P. Del Rosario, Esther Genevieve F. Omar, and Alvie O. Sanchez of Election Precinct 1(Saipan); Josef J. Deleon Guerrero of Election Precinct 3 (Saipan and Northern Islands); Malcolm J. Omar of Election Precinct 4 (Saipan); and Donald M. Manglona of Election Precinct 6 (Rota).

Each high school will elect one representative each during the counting of the votes: Saipan Southern High School, Marianas High School, Kagman High School, Tinian High School, Rota High School, Northern Marianas Academy, Mount Carmel School, Marianas Baptist Academy, Calvary Christian Academy, and Grace Christian Academy.

Three seats are available at the Northern Marianas College.

Saipan precincts 1 and 3 have three seats each, while precincts 2 and 4 have one seat each. Tinian and Rota also have a seat each.

Polling places for registered public and private high school students were held at their respective schools. Elections for NMC students were held at the Student Center at NMC Saipan and at the NMC Tinian campus.