The mission was supported by the U.S. Department of State, on behalf of the APDP, under the leadership of Congressman Eni F. H. Faleomavaega, D-American Samoa and chairman of the U.S. House of Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment.
In Chuuk, project director and deputy director of the East-West Center’s Pacific Island Development Program, Dr. Jerry Finin, and senior adviser Chris Camponovo of the U.S. Department of State presented the mission report to Gov. Wesley Simina.
The group then met with Chuuk Attorney General Joses Gallen, Chuuk Election Commission Executive Director Marino Siever, state Speaker Florencio Harper, state Senate President Mark Mailo, the mayors of the 10 outer islands of Chuuk, officers of the Chuuk Women’s Council, the Rotary Club and the Chuuk Chamber of Commerce.
In Pohnpei, Finin and Camponovo presented their work to various national and state officials, including FSM President Emanuel Mori, Foreign Affairs Secretary Lorin Robert, FSM National Election Commissioner Kimeuo Kimiuo, Pohnpei Lt. Gov. Churchill Edward, Pohnpei Election Commissioner Oliver Johnny, former FSM President John Haglelgam, and Micronesian Seminar Director Father Francis X. Hezel.
Throughout the meetings, Finin and Camponovo highlighted the strengths of the FSM’s electoral system: a peaceful, non-violent atmosphere, sizeable public enthusiasm and involvement, and considerable electoral transparency.
The report also identified “improvements to the voter registration lists and major enhancements to the ballot tabulation process” as “critical priorities.”
