Despite the typically high emotions that elections usually arouse in people, there has been no report of any disruptive behavior in voting sites in the northern part of Saipan. In fact, many of those who are running in this election are just relieved that Election Day is finally here.<\/p>\n
A COVID-19 Task Force member stationed at the Gregorio T Camacho Elementary School told Saipan Tribune that the day has been really \u201cchill\u201d so far and there have been no untoward incidents nor fighting.<\/p>\n
While interviewing several supporters of the Republican Party, one businesswoman, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed the importance of camaraderie, saying that, at the end of the election, \u201cwe are still family.\u201d She noted that, after the election, regardless of whoever wins, the unity of people is important. She agreed that, although people must vote based on what they stand for and believe in, at the end of the day, it must not tear apart the family bonds the CNMI has.<\/p>\n
Rep. Christina \u201cTina\u201d Sablan (D-Saipan), who is the gubernatorial candidate of the Democratic Party of the NMI, said she and her running mate, Rep. Leila Staffler (D-Saipan), are excited to have finally come to this day. \u201cEveryone\u2019s been working really hard for the past year, [and] we\u2019re really proud of the campaign we\u2019ve run and just feeling really hopeful. We\u2019re very excited to finally see the results,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Sablan said that she and Staffler have been visiting their supporters on the northside since yesterday morning. \u201cEverybody\u2019s in good spirits, everyone\u2019s feeling really great and optimistic. Now, you know it\u2019s up to the people to decide.\u201d<\/p>\n
As for a possible electoral run-off, Sablan conceded that the 50%-plus-1 rule that would trigger a run-off election \u201care pretty high odds to meet.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really up to the people, but if there is a runoff we\u2019re ready for it,\u201d she added<\/p>\n
Jesus Teigita, chair for Republican candidates Rep. Joseph \u2018Lee Pan\u2019 Guerrero, Rep. Angel Demapan, and Cecelia Taitano, was more optimistic about the possibility of a run-off. \u201cI\u2019m not expecting that. I\u2019m expecting a home run,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Precinct 4\u2019s Rep. Joel C. Camacho (Ind-Saipan) said that they\u2019ve had some good reception so far. \u201cWe spend quite a lot of man-hours on this precinct. We care deeply about Precinct 4. \u2026I\u2019m going on my thrd term, so hopefully I\u2019ll be blessed by the people to be given the opportunity to serve again. But yeah, happy to be here on Election Day. It\u2019s always such a great day to participate in our democracy.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 2022 election is also a first for many young voters in the CNMI. Among this group is Kuuipo Teigita, a 21-year-old returning resident in the CNMI. \u201cSince it\u2019s my first time from the [United] States, it\u2019s my first time seeing the whole process from start to finish, so witnessing stuff like the motorcades and the rallies were really cool to see, just because that\u2019s not something you see often in the States. Especially the community that comes together, that was really nice to see as well.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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