State flags fly at the Federated States of Micronesia Consulate Office May 7, 2023, in Harmon. From left, the flags of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae.
Photo by David Castro/The Guam Daily Post
HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — A state of emergency to quell potential election violence has been declared for Chuuk state in the Federated States of Micronesia ahead of the April 15 swearing-in ceremony for incumbent Gov. Alexander Narruhn.
The April 10 declaration comes in the midst of a highly charged election dispute between Narruhn and Lt. Gov. Mekioshy William and the rival gubernatorial team of Mark Mailo and Joe Enlet who challenged the March 4 voting results.
The declaration signed by Narruhn stated that “due to overt threats of violence,” a special police force would be created to provide increased security, surveillance, and law enforcement to ensure the safety and integrity of the ceremony.
The U.S. embassy for the FSM on April 11 also posted a warning on social media for American citizens about the potential violence.
It recommended that U.S. nationals:
• avoid Chuuk State government buildings;
• avoid crowds and demonstrations;
• stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings; and
• have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
President of the Chuukese Association of Guam Hentrick Eveluck told the Post on Saturday that while Narruhn and William won the March 4 vote, an election challenge resulted in a re-vote on April 8 in which Mailo and Enlet won handily. The re-vote was limited to inhabitants of the main island of Weno, Eveluck said.
“The election is creating something very chaotic that we, the people, are so concerned about,” Eveluck said, “I think they are all hungry for authority, and yet we suffer the consequences.”
Eveluck said, “I can tell you that something physical can happen, and I think that is the reason the governor is so afraid of and worried about, that he doesn’t want it to be happening during his inauguration.”
The emergency declaration also called on the FSM National Police to provide assistance to the Chuuk Department of Public Safety to reinforce the special police force.
Eveluck said according to the FSM’s Compact of Free Association, the U.S. government can also be asked to provide further security.
“Only the national government can make the request to the U.S. They may resort to Guam for National Guard assistance,” Eveluck said.
