Republican Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider edged Gov. Benigno R. Fitial of the Covenant Party by an eight-vote margin: 4,900 to 4,892 — the closest gubernatorial election in CNMI history. Independent candidate Juan T. Guerrero finished a distant third with 2,643 votes while Ramon S. Deleon Guerrero, who also ran as an Independent, placed fourth, garnering 1,075 votes. These figures already include the absentee votes. For the complete list of results, go to http://www.votecnmi.gov.mp/electionresults.php
With no candidate getting a majority of the votes cast, a runoff between Hofshcneider and Fitial will be held 14 days after the results are certfied on Tuesday. Fitial beat Hofschneider by 84 votes four years ago.
