As voters from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) head to the polls, KPRG's Naina Rao and Saipan correspondent Bryan Manabat discuss the key issues shaping the 2024 midterm elections, from economic recovery and tourism to the race for congressional delegate.
NAINA RAO: For the 2024 midterm elections, over 18,000 registered voters in the CNMI, including absentee voters, will have a say in their government.
Voters will elect a new congressional delegate, three senators, 20 House members and nine municipal council members. They’ll also decide whether to retain Superior Court Associate Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio.
Joining us to talk more about this is KPRG’s Saipan correspondent, Bryan Manabat.
So Bryan, what specific challenges are on voters' minds in this year’s election?
BRYAN MANABAT: For most, the big issue is the economy – especially the impact on tourism. Just for context, the current administration of Governor Palacios is in ongoing 902 consultations with the U.S. government.
RAO: For those who don’t know, section 902 refers to talks under the CNMI-U.S. covenant, where both meet to discuss issues affecting the islands.
MANABAT: Exactly. This time, CNMI is requesting more financial support from the U.S. COVID hit our tourism revenue hard. In the meantime, the Palacios administration just lifted austerity measures last week and found money to fund payroll for government workers. But for the last 18 months, they struggled to provide money into payroll for public employees, due to revenue shortfall and economic hardships.
RAO: And are voters connecting these issues with their choices at the polls?
MANABAT: They are. This year, we’ll be voting for a new congressional delegate. It’s one of the most critical positions up for elections.
RAO: For those not familiar Bryan, what does the CNMI delegate do in Congress?
MANABAT: Well, the delegate advocates for key issues affecting the Commonwealth, like the economy, tourism, workforce, and infrastructure. They can introduce legislation or lobby for federal policies that impact the CNMI, such as securing essential air services or tourism legislation.
This year, there are five candidates competing for the delegate position. They are Liana Hofschneider, James Rayphand, John Gonzales - who identify as independents. Kimberlyn King Hinds is Republican, and Edwin Propst is Democrat.
SOUNDBITE - JOSEPH MUNA MENDIOLA: Economy is the top issue. Nothing else. Because that governs everyone’s lives. I’m going to vote Kimberlyn King Hinds.
MANABAT: That was Joseph Muna Mendiola, who supports Republican candidate King Hinds for her stance on reviving tourism and diversifying the economy.
Another voter, Kimo Mafnas Rosario, is backing Democrat Propst, hoping he’ll build on the legacy of the outgoing delegate, Gregorio Kilili Sablan.
SOUNDBITE - KIMO MAFNAS ROSARIO: The saying goes, if something’s not broken, why fix it. So, I’m all in for Ed.
RAO: And what economic priorities would Propst continue?
MANABAT: Propst wants to look beyond tourism, with a focus on making air travel more affordable for locals and visitors.
RAO: It sounds like CNMI voters are tuned in to the issues affecting their daily lives. We’ll find out who they chose tonight, as Bryan and I bring you live election coverage on our website at isla-public-dot-org. Bryan, thank you for being here.
BRYAN: Thanks, Naina.
