The amendment that will be put on the ballot at this upcoming election stems from Yap State Resolution No. 7-178, which seeks to amend Article XIV of the Yap State Constitution by adding a new Section 11 which reads: “The legislature, by two-thirds vote, shall present to the people on a ballot during an upcoming election the question: ‘Shall the State of Yap commence a review of its political status?’ If a two-third of ballots cast upon the question is in the affirmative, the legislature shall prescribe by law the manner for the review of the political status of Yap State within six months after the referendum.”
This proposal to amend the Yap State Constitution stems from discussions that started back in the 2004 Constitutional Convention where this option to amend the Constitution’s Article XIV to have in it a provision that authorizes the State Legislature to pose the question to the people, “Shall the State of Yap commence a review of its political status?”; and if two-thirds of votes say “yes,” then the Legislature has the mandate to begin reviewing the political status of Yap in the future if and when the need arises. During that 2004 “Con Con,” that proposal on whether to have the option to ask the question was not passed.
If voted “yes” for the amendment to the Yap State Constitution at this upcoming election, then it will be allowed for the Constitution to be amended to have a new Section 11 in Article XIV that allows the State Legislature to ask the question at a future election if the need arises of whether Yap should commence or start a review of its political status.
If voted “no” then the Constitution stays as is and nothing changes. However, Yap will not be able to review its political status at a future election or referendum if and when the need arises because it’s not supported by the Constitution.
Anyone requiring more information on this proposed amendment can contact the members of the 7th Yap State Legislature’s Committee on Government, Health and Welfare at 691-350-2400. Also contact the Department of Youth and Civic Affairs or the Election Commissioner’s Office at 691-350-2168 for further details.
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