In a special election that will be held to fill the seat that became vacant with the passing of Rep. Francisco S. Dela Cruz (R-Saipan), the six candidates who lost in the race for Precinct 3 seats last Nov. 13 would need to submit once more their petitions for candidacy with the Commonwealth Election Commission.<\/p>\n
This developed as a source disclosed that Gov. Ralph DLG Torres had already talked with one of the lawyers of the Office of the Attorney General, who advised him that there should be a special election to fill the vacancy.<\/p>\n
The source said that Torres agrees with the OAG\u2019s opinion to follow the CNMI Constitution by holding a special election. <\/p>\n
CEC administrative officer Kayla Igitol said yesterday that the special election is open to anybody, which means other people who are qualified to run for the Precinct 3 seat can join the race and not just the candidates who lost in the general election last November.<\/p>\n
Igitol said the CEC board will review the petitions for candidacy for approval.<\/p>\n
She said the absentee voters for Precinct 3 would also need to vote again.<\/p>\n
Once Torres issues a proclamation declaring the vacancy and a special election, the CEC will have a 60-day timeframe to hold the election, Igitol said .<\/p>\n
Dela Cruz, 56, a former House vice speaker, passed away on Tinian last Sunday. <\/p>\n
There are six Precinct 3 seats. Last November, a total of 12 candidates vied for those seats.<\/p>\n
Edmund Villagomez, an independent, obtained the highest number of votes. Dela Cruz landed fifth. <\/p>\n
The six candidates who did not make it were Rep. Donald Barcinas, David Sablan, Vicente Camacho, Luis Tilipao, Mariano Fajardo, and Stanley Torres.<\/p>\n
Chief solicitor Charles E. Brasington told Saipan Tribune on Tuesday that the CNMI Constitution and statutes are straightforward about the issue whether a special election will be held or not.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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