By Haidee V. Eugenio
Variety Assistant Editor

THE Office of the Public Auditor’s first presentation on election do’s and don’ts in preperation for this year’s mid-term polls was held Monday night, upon the request of the Republican Party’s Precinct 1 leadership for its chairman, treasurer and members.
The CNMI will hold a mid-term election in November.
“OPA would much rather educate about election prohibitions and other Ethics Act issues before the campaign picks up rather than investigate possible violations later,” Public Auditor Mike Sablan told Variety.
Monday night’s presentation, held at the multi-purpose center in Susupe from 6 to 8 p.m., focused on the CNMI Ethics Act which prohibits, among other things, public officials and employees from using public funds, time, personnel, or equipment for political activity unless that use is authorized by law or is incidental to a legally authorized or required activity.
For example, they should not at any time circulate petitions, including nominating petitions, in a government office.
Sablan said no political parties, precincts or government agencies other than Precinct 1 of the Republic Party have so far requested a similar presentation involving activities that are allowed or prohibited during the election season.
“We appreciate that the Precinct 1 Republican Party requested it. Other parties, candidates and entities can also request similar OPA presentations.
The Election Reform Act of 2000, which took effect in the 2001 elections, and then in the 2003 and 2005 polls, introduced dramatic changes in the way campaigns are regulated in the CNMI and more importantly, how campaign contributions and expenditures are reported,” said Sablan.
Anonymous contributions of any amount received by candidates are no longer allowed.
Public Law 13-57 Section 3 which amended the Election Reform Act of 2000 requires the filing of financial disclosure statements by political parties within 50 days after an election.