This week, the PEC has announced that it is holding a special election on May 4 to fill in Kodep’s seat, according to Festus Ringang, PEC Election officer III.
The Melekeok State Legislature has declared the vacancy in the gubernatorial seat after Kodep who is facing criminal charges resigned from his post on March 8.
The filing of candidacies schedule started a day after the Melekeok Legislature adopted the resolution declaring a vacancy.
The deadline of filing for the nominating petition is on April 19, 15 days before the election.
For the absentee voters, Ringang said, the deadline is April 19 to send requests to vote. May 3, meanwhile is the deadline to receive the absentee ballots.
April 19 is alsothe last day of registration for the new voters.
Ringang said, those who are 18 years of age and above are entitled to register.
Melekeok State has more than 500 registered voters.
A Special election was
set to fill in the governor seat vacatedLazarus Kodep who resigned from officedue to his irregularities.
Kodep was charged with 302 counts of misuse of public funds and misconduct in public office.
Based on the court records, the former Governor committed the offense by embezzling, stealing. Purloining or knowingly converting to his own use funds of the Melekeok State Government and that he stole and converted to his own use funds in excess of $100 belonging to the Melekeok State Treasury.
His sentencing is set this Monday.
