Igisomar wants to limit Senate terms to two consecutive terms

Sen. Sixto Igisomar (R-Saipan) has pre-filed a legislative initiative on Friday to limit the number of terms of a senator to two consecutive terms through an amendment to the NMI Constitution.

“Serving as a member of the CNMI Legislature must be carried out with the understanding that person seeking such office are doing so to address the pressing matters of the CNMI rather than as a means of career employment,” Igisomar writes.

The initiative says that limiting a senator’s term to two consecutive terms will ensure that senators are diligent in their efforts to address the issues of the CNMI and provide an opportunity for others to seek elective office in the Senate.

“This initiative, if passed, will provide opportunities for the younger generations to serve in the Senate with new fresh ideas,” writes Igisomar.

The proposal does not bar a senator from running again after serving two consecutive terms.

The proposal only restricts a member from serving a third or more terms consecutively.

The initiative seeks to amend Article II of the NMI Constitution.

It would need an affirmative vote of three-fourths of the members of both houses present and voting to be placed before voters for ratification at the next general election.