Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia

Pohnpei special election pending availability of funds

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Congress): July 23, 2009 – The Speaker of the 16th Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia, Isaac V. Figir, has met with President Emanuel ‘Manny’ Mori to discuss the process and timing of a Special Election in Pohnpei.

Their discussion concluded that a special election would not be possible during the current fiscal year due to insufficient funding.

A letter dated July 9, 2009, from President Mori to Speaker Figir noted that the government does not have sufficient funds to reprogram and therefore “does not have the funds necessary to hold a special election in Pohnpei.”

The letter further stated that “we cannot assist in calling for a special session of Congress to deal with this matter or pay for a special election in Pohnpei.”

It was therefore suggested that the issue of Special Election then be addressed during the next Regular Session of the 16th FSM Congress in September.

The special election is to fill the seat for the at-large or four-year representative of the State of Pohnpei to the 16th FSM Congress recently vacated by the untimely passing of its former occupant, the Honorable Resio S. Moses.