Babauta said he and Speaker Blas Jonathan Attao have initially agreed to schedule the swearing-in for Friday, at 10 a.m., in the House chamber.
However, they still have to check the availability of the judge who will swear him in. Whether the swearing-in will push through on Friday depends on the availability of the judge, Babauta said.
On Wednesday, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres appointed Babauta to fill the House seat vacated by former House Minority Leader Edwin Propst who resigned on Oct. 1, 2020.
In his letter to Babauta, the governor said, “As you have expressed your willingness to serve, by this letter, I hereby appoint you with immediate effect as representative…. I appreciate your willingness to serve in this important role of providing representation for the people of Election District 1.”
The governor received Speaker Attao’s declaration of vacancy on Oct. 26, 2020.
Section 9, Article 2 of the CNMI Constitution states that when a legislative vacancy arises and less than one-half of the term remains, the governor “shall fill the vacancy by appointing the unsuccessful candidate for the office in the last election who received the largest number of votes and is willing to serve.”
In the 2018 elections, Babauta, an independent candidate, finished seventh in Precinct 1, which has six House seats.
In an interview, Babauta said he is willing to serve in the 21st House to represent his constituents in Precinct 1.
He noted that he received the appointment on Veterans Day.
“I am grateful to all the veterans for all the sacrifices they’ve made to fight for democracy,” said Babauta who will serve Propst’s remaining term, which ends in January 2021.
Babauta’s wife, Democratic Representative-elect Celina Babauta, was the second highest vote-getter in this year’s Precinct 1 House elections. She and the rest of the members of the 22nd Legislature will take their oath of office in January 2021.
