23 Jan 2013

CNMI impeachment of Fitial initiated

1:52 pm on 23 January 2013

The House of Representatives of the Northern Marianas has approved the initiation of impeachment proceedings against the Governor Benigno Fitial.

By a vote of 19 to zero, the House approved the resolution impeaching the governor for 18 allegations of corruption, felony, and neglect of duty.

The Speaker has clarified that the vote was not to adopt the impeachment resolution, but only to start or initiate the process to address questions raised and clarify a provision in the constitution referring to impeachment.

A special panel expects to wrap up its report and recommendation to the full House by the end of January or early February.