Alexander Narruhn
CHUUK (Island Times/Pacnews) — What began as a routine gubernatorial election in Chuuk State has spiraled into a deepening political crisis marked by disputed election results, violence, and growing mistrust in the state’s democratic institutions.
Governor Alexander Narruhn was sworn in for a new term on April 15 despite multiple legal challenges, uncounted ballots, and a tense political climate. His inauguration was marred by a violent altercation inside the Chuuk State Legislature, further highlighting instability and concerns over the legitimacy of the process.
The trouble began on March 4, Election Day, when both state and national elections were held. At the center of the chaos is a power struggle between two election commissions — one previously in place and one newly appointed by Governor Narruhn without legislative approval.
Soon after voting ended, concerns surfaced over ballot handling. Eleven ballot boxes, including those from Neauo and Wichap with approximately 800 votes, were moved to the governor’s conference room without proper oversight. Poll watchers were reportedly barred from observing the count, and eyewitnesses claim ballots and tally sheets were tampered with.
A court issued a temporary restraining order on March 11 demanding those ballots be counted. However, state police did not follow through, and the director of public safety was later fined for contempt.
Despite this, the governor’s newly appointed commission went ahead and certified the election results — without the disputed ballots. The Election Office’s top officials refused to endorse the certification, and the state Senate rejected several of the governor’s appointments.
Legal uncertainty soon escalated into what many civic leaders are calling political intimidation. Courts issued conflicting orders about whether to re-vote in some polling places. Meanwhile, police arrested members of the original election commission, their attorney, hotel staff, and printing workers — most without warrants. All were released within 24 hours.
A criminal complaint has since been filed against Oncher Walter, head of the new commission and a police consultant, alleging ballot tampering and abuse of power.
On April 10, Governor Narruhn declared a state of emergency, citing fears of political violence. He shut down public schools and set up a special police force ahead of his April 15 inauguration.
During the swearing-in ceremony in Weno, tensions boiled over. Police attempted to arrest the state Senate president and a former election official without warrants. A physical altercation followed in the legislative chamber, leaving the Senate president’s son injured.
Former lawmaker Timothy Ruda accused police — not civilians — of provoking the clash and described a growing rift between state and municipal law enforcement, leaving the public caught in the crossfire.
The crisis has triggered widespread concern among Chuuk residents. Mahoney Mori, president of the Chuuk Youth Council, called the situation “historic” but “deeply troubling.” Social media has been flooded with accounts of fear and confusion, and some are calling for intervention from the national government of the Federated States of Micronesia.
For now, Chuuk remains under a state of emergency. Governor Narruhn’s swearing-in has been tentatively upheld in court, but the core issues — including uncounted ballots and election complaints — are unresolved.
Investigations into alleged misconduct are ongoing. Many residents continue to hope for justice, transparency, and a return to trust in their democratic systems.
