Pacific Magazine > Daily News

New President Orders Inquiry Into Election Debacle

By Giff Johnson on Majuro
Wednesday: February 13, 2008

A five-member commission of inquiry appointed by Marshall Islands President Litokwa Tomeing this week will investigate the controversy-marred November national election.

“The 2007 general election rates as the worst managed election in the republic to date,” said Tomeing in appointing the commission of inquiry to investigate last year’s election.

“The public has asked so many questions about the national election that have been left unanswered,” said Minister in Assistance to the President Christopher Loeak. “Cabinet appointed (this commission of inquiry) to ensure what happened in the 2007 general election doesn't happen again.”

The specially appointed commission will be led by attorney Filimon Manoni, the parliament’s legal adviser. Other members include Jack Niedenthal and Maria Fowler, who are chairmen, respectively, of two of the most respected institutions in the country -- the Marshall Islands Social Security Administration and the College of the Marshall Islands boards. Joining them is Protestant church leader Rev. Enja Enos and private sector member William Gordon.

“These are people selected for their integrity,” said Loeak.                                           

“Media outlets within the country and the region branded the elections as ‘chaotic,’ fueling suspicions amongst the voter population over the results in some races,” Tomeing said. “In order to avoid a repeat of the 2007 debacle, and to restore voter confidence in our electoral processes, it is necessary that an inquiry be commissioned to look into the problems of the 2007 general elections.”

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat sent an election observer team to the Marshall Islands in November to monitor the vote, but delayed issuing its report as planned in December because of continuing problems associated with the election. Instead, it sent the head of its team, Shennia Spillane, back to the Marshall Islands in January to further consult with officials here.

In addition, four election challenges are currently pending in the High Court over the electoral administration’s refusal to grant recounts and rejection of some postal absentee votes from voters living in the United States.

The commission of inquiry has 45 days to conduct its investigation after which Loeak said he hopes a full report and recommendations will be submitted to Cabinet.

The president has given the commission broad powers that include the authority to subpoena witnesses and documents. The terms of the commission enable it to investigate issues ranging from the appointment of the Chief Electoral Officer and election board officials to the security of ballot boxes and the recounting process.

“The focus of this inquiry, as emphasized by the president is merely 'fact-finding,’” said Manoni. “It is not the intention of the commission to embark on a witch-hunt, or finger-pointing, but rather to get to the bottom of the problems that tainted the 2007 elections.”

He added “an inquiry is essential in assurance not only to the international community but most importantly the citizens of the Marshall Islands that this government will do all it can to protect the democratic institutions and processes in the country, and to respect the voters’ democratic right to freely choose their leaders.”

As well as investigating the 2007 election, Manoni said the commission will also review the current legal framework to determine whether there is a need to modernize the Marshall Islands election processes given new technology that is now available.