Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia

Speaker Figir declares vacancy in Congress

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Congress): April 4, 2008 – Speaker Isaac V. Figir today, declared vacant, the seat for Chuuk State’s representative for Congressional Election District Two in the 15th Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia.

The declaration was made on the floor this morning following the receipt of Presidential Communication 15-173, in which copies of certain court documents were transmitted to Congress.

Speaker Figir’s declaration was official transmitted in a letter, dated April 4 2004, to President Manny Mori for appropriate action by the Executive Branch. His letter in its entirety is as follows:

“I am in receipt of Presidential Communications No. 15-173 transmitting certain court documents showing that Senator Roosevelt D. Kansou was found guilty of conspiracy as charged on March 10, 2008. This is a felony under our laws.

Article IX. Section 9 of the FSM Constitution states that a person convicted of a felony is not eligible to serve as a member of Congress.

I have therefore declared that the seat occupied by Senator Kansou is now vacant.

I hereby request that in accordance to our Constitution and laws, the Executive Branch proceed with an election to select a replacement for Senator Kansou.”

President Mori has acknowledged Speaker’s letter by noting that appropriate entities and officials have been notified of the vacancy in the 15th FSM Congress.