Organized by the Coalition on Recognition, Equality and Advancement of the American Ethnic Minorities, the event held at the Kilili Beach Pavilion drew the participation of 352 individuals.
Gonzales received 53 percent of the votes cast.
Sablan came in second with 20 percent, Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio got 8 percent while retired Judge Juan T. Lizama, garnered 7 percent.
Five other candidates shared the remaining number of votes and only three ballots were disqualified due to over-voting.
CREAM’s spokeman Emi Pamintuan described Saturday’s mock poll as “successful.”
“As expected, the number of participants was exceptionally satisfactory,” he said. “An all-out information drive about the mock election was made to reach out to all ethnic minorities on Saipan that were eligible to vote.”
He said the votes were tabulated after the three-hour election which ended at 6 p.m.
The top four vote-getters will be invited by CREAM to a forum.
Brigs Hernandez who voted in the mock election, said he would like to see a similar event held prior to next year’s general elections.
Pamintuan said after the forum with the four top vote-getters, CREAM will select a candidate to endorse.
The CNMI’s first congressional delegate election will be held on Nov. 4.
“Hopefully the chosen candidate will deliver the promise of better representation and unselfish sacrifice in the U.S. Congress for all people of the commonwealth for better future and aspiration of everyone,” Pamintuan said.
Gonzales yesterday said he was humbled and touched by the result, describing it as a “clear reflection of the people’s clamor for change and competent new leaders.”
He said he will participate in the group’s forum.
“I will accept equivocally any invitation to face our people and respond to their concerns,” Gonzales said. “It will be a great opportunity for me to let them know my plans and listen to their concerns and issues.”
Gonzales believes that the delegate race is “about a different kind of leadership and a politics that put people first.”
