The former governor of the Northern Marianas, Benigno Fitial, could be pardoned by the current governor this week.
Former governor Benigno Fitial Photo: RNZ Mark Rabago
Fitial was last week sentenced to one year in jail after he was convicted of misconduct in public office and conspiracy to commit theft of services while he was governor in 2013.
The territory's parole board is expected to meet on Tuesday to consider whether or not it would support or object to a pardon for the 69-year-old.
Our correspondent, Mark Rabago, says the only person with the power to pardon Fitial is the current governor, Eloy Inos, who is said to be considering it.
"A pardon would open a lot of new controversies, [but] a pardon is still on the table and that's at the discretion of the sitting governor. So we'll have to wait and see the next few days."
