By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE Commonwealth Election Commission is requesting $420,000 for the 2026 general election.
In a letter to Senate President Karl King-Nabors last week, CEC Chairman Jose P. Kiyoshi urgently requested the funding to ensure the successful administration of the 2026 elections. He said their request was based on CEC’s expenditures in the 2022 and 2024 elections, but at present, the commission faces a significant funding shortfall.
Kiyoshi said federal funds that supported previous election cycles in the CNMI have largely been exhausted, and currently there are no local funds available to support the operations necessary to prepare for and conduct the general elections in November.
The funding CEC is requesting will be used for election activities, including election preparation and logistics, poll worker recruitment and training, ballot printing and equipment readiness, voter outreach and compliance education campaigns, preparations for potential ballot initiatives, and contingency planning for a possible runoff election.
Kiyoshi informed the Senate president that CEC has already submitted a formal request to the administration and is now awaiting a response. However, given the strict statutory timeline mandated by Commonwealth election laws, delays in securing the necessary funding may jeopardize the commission’s ability to properly prepare for the 2026 elections.
“Free, fair, and orderly elections are the foundation of our democratic system. Ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in the electoral process is not only a statutory responsibility but also a fundamental obligation to the people of the Commonwealth,” Kiyoshi said.
Without funding, he added, CEC’s ability to meet its legal responsibilities and uphold the integrity of the electoral process may be severely impacted.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
