Despite a residency challenge from incumbent Mayor Valentino Taisacan Jr., the Commonwealth Election Commission on Friday certified Keli Tenorio to run for Northern Islands mayor, with only one commissioner opposing the decision.
CEC board member Elsie Tilipao‑Rebuenog cast the lone dissenting vote. Chair Jose Kiyoshi, Vice Chair Susan Babauta, and members John Diego Attao and Sharon Manglona voted to certify Tenorio after deliberation.
Tilipao‑Rebuenog cited a 2018 Attorney General opinion, arguing that Tenorio’s testimony that she stays in a tent when on Pagan does not meet the “fixed habitation” standard for residency and domicile. Taisacan, who filed the challenge, did not attend the administrative hearing.
Tenorio said she welcomed the decision. “I am very happy to be able to give our people a choice,” she told reporters on Saturday. “God is always good. Truth prevails.”
With Friday’s vote, CEC has certified 74 of 75 candidates for the Nov. 3, 2026 general election. Saipan mayoral candidate Luis Masga remains the only candidate not certified after failing to gather the required number of signatures.
According to CEC’s website, the CNMI has 18,022 registered voters as of Aug. 30.
