The commission will transmit its decision to Gov. Felix P. Camacho, who is mandated by law to make an official proclamation for a special election.
Those who wish to run in the special election are advised to pick up an election packet from the GEC office. Deadline for filing of candidacy is Feb. 18.
Commissioner John Terlaje said they will need $150,000 to run the special election.
He also noted that with only five GEC staff members, it would be difficult to manage any election. The commission will therefore request that the governor assist in providing the funds for the special election.
Terlaje said the Legislature has been aware of this plight but seems to ignore it. He said he hopes that lawmakers will see the need to fully staff the GEC so that it may function to full capacity.
Commissioner Joshua Tenorio suggested that since Rector was found to have lied on his affidavits, GEC must void his certification as an elected senator.
This situation, he said, should allow Dr. David Shimizu, who ranked 16th in the last election, to move up to the 15th spot.
But GEC’s legal counsel Cesar Cabot said the law requires the commission to call for a special election on or about 60 days from a vacancy in the Legislature, whenever a vacancy occurs prior to eight months before the date of the next general elections.
Rector resigned on Jan. 20, or over nine months from the date of the next general elections.
