10 Nov 2009

Republican party dominates CNMI's general election

6:51 am on 10 November 2009

The Republican party has dominated the weekend general election in the Northern Marianas.

The US territory voted for the Governor, as well as for the Senate and House of Representatives.

Our correspondent, Mark Rabago, reports.

"The Republican Party dominated elections. Although they lost a couple of their seats, they gained some seats in the House of Representatives and in the Senate. Senate president, Pete Reyes, retained his seat and a newcomer Ralph Torres, who's coming up from the house of representatives surprisingly had the most votes, he had more than 4000 votes compared to Pete Reyes who's a veteran."

Mark Rabago

The territory will hold a run-off election between Covenant Party's Benigno Fitial and Republican Heinz Hofschneider in a fortnight as none of the candidates for governor won the required 50 percent majority.