The Commonwealth Election Commission on Thursday placed the residency challenge against Northern Islands mayoral candidate Keli Tenorio under advisement, delaying a decision as the board seeks more evidence.
Only chair Jose Kiyoshi opposed the move, saying past CEC rulings already established that intent—not length of residence—is the determining factor. “She stated she intends to return to the Northern Islands,” he said. “That’s why my vote is no.”
During the administrative hearing, Tenorio’s attorney Michael Dotts submitted voter registration records, an agricultural lot application, and other documents to support her residency.
CEC records show Tenorio has been registered to vote in the Northern Islands since 2014.
The challenge was filed by incumbent Mayor Valentino Taisacan, who is seeking reelection. The Commission did not say when it will issue a ruling but said Tenorio will be notified once a decision is made.
Dotts said the evidence makes her eligibility clear and described the challenge as political. “She’s been voting there since 2014. No one challenged her until she announced she was running,” he said, adding that a timely decision is needed ahead of Sept. 18 early voting.
Tenorio said she remains confident. “We will prevail and we will move forward,” she said, adding that the delay will not affect her campaign or her plans to improve airport facilities and attract airline service to the Northern Islands.
Tenorio’s petition is the only candidacy still pending before the Commission.
CEC says 73 of 75 candidates for the Nov. 3 general election have been certified.
