By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

The State Government of Ngatpang has just recently approved a new public land law exactly a month ago when the members of the First State Legislature were elected and the people are still in the process of choosing their first duly elected governor.
The new law (NSPL No. 1-07-02), known as Ngatpang State Public Lands Authority Act of 2007, has repealed all state laws related to public lands authority in its entirety such as NSPL No. 53-89, NSPL 87-94, NSPL No. 91-96, NSPL No. 16-04.
It was introduced as NSL Bill No. 1-07-02 on the first regular session of the first ever elected members of the state legislature on April 25.
The bill was passed on April 27 and was signed by the eight state legislators namely Ibuuch Tomoichi, Siles Ngiraremiang (Floor Leader), Johnson Emesiochel, Rideph Emesiochel, Ellin Kloulchad, Razi C-Boy Rimirch, Lee Otobed and Takemura Erungel (Vice Speaker).
Acting Governor Constantino Ngiraked approved and signed it into law on April 30.
The Legislators were elected on March 29. At the same time, the Election Commission declared a failure of election for the Governor as the three candidates for this position failed to garner enough votes.
A new special election is set tomorrow with Francesca Otong and Demei Otobed aspiring to fill the vacant position.
The law says that a candidate in order to win must get at least 120 votes out of the possible 239 votes.
Otong garnered only 91 out of the 178 total votes cast while Otobed got 65 and another candidate had 21.
A runoff election will be held if no one would get the required number of votes.
The new NSPLA will be governed by seven members of the Board of Turstees namely Ngkeruker Yoach, Gilbert Demei, Dr. Ulai Otobed, Valentino Emesiochel, Ucheldikes Ellab Rebluud, Mers Ngitong and Surangel Whipps Jr., who will serve for a term of four years.
The new law says that when their term expires, the Governor will appoint seven members of Board of Trustees subject to the advice and consent of the legislature for four-year term and this process will continue thereafter.