Frieda R. Demapan, Attorney General Edward T. Buckingham’s executive assistant, e-mailed the criminal division’s prosecutors and staffers regarding the political event.
The e-mail was sent on Thursday at 10:30 a.m., during working hours.
“As our AG has said, this gathering is not mandatory, but it would be nice to see our attorneys and staff come and enjoy the food, drinks and view and be able to socialize with other people throughout the night while this gathering is ongoing,” the e-mail stated.
The AG’s Office provides legal advice to the election commission.
There might be “an appearance of conflict of interest,” but the Office of the Public Auditor has yet to receive a formal complaint, acting Public Auditor Ross Zapanta told the Variety.
“It’s all speculations,” he added.
Public Auditor Mike Pai will be off-island until tomorrow.
Asked if Pai, a gubernatorial appointee, will host a similar gathering, Zapanta replied: “I don’t think [OPA] will ever host a party for any candidate.”
He added, “Anyone in government can host a party as long as they are not spending government funds.”
Camacho’s campaign website has taken down the schedules and the names of the hosts for other “meet and greet” gatherings.
On her Unheard No More! blog site, former Rota teacher Wendy Doromal stated: “It’s obvious the Fitial cabinet members, elected officials, and CNMI agency and department heads are hosting events for…Camacho….”
“[Demapan’s] e-mail correspondence presumed to be conducted on government equipment, on government time, sent to fellow government employees appears to be an unlawful political campaign activity carried out in the very office that should be enforcing and upholding law,” she added.
“It falls under the ‘political activity that is prohibited’ as listed on the OPA website….
“Who will ensure a fair election in the CNMI? Should or can federal officials be tasked with overseeing the upcoming election? Or should or can they investigate allegations of unlawful campaigning that is happening now?” Doromal asked.
