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Special Session declares vacancy in Congress

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Congress): August 31, 2009 - Speaker Isaac V. Figir has officially declared a vacancy in Congress during this morning's convening of the First Special Session of the Sixteenth Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia.

The convened Special Session was witnessed by President Emanuel 'Manny' Mori and members of his Cabinet; Speaker of the First FSM Congress, Wahnpoaron Bethwel Henry who also offered the opening prayers; Ambassador Miriam K. Hughes of the US Embassy and a modest crowd of interested general public.

Following the members roll call, Speaker Figir directed the gallery's attention to the Vice Speaker's desk," that was the desk of Vice Speaker Resio S. Moses, a statesman, a colleague, and a friend to many of us.

"For years, Vice Speaker Moses has served the people of Pohnpei in this chamber with dedication and distinction until he passed away recently. His voice and presence in this Chamber will be missed," noted the Speaker.

Speaker Figir then declared the seat vacant and requested President Mori and the National Election Director to "proceed presently with a special election to fill the vacant position in accordance to the law. The Congress shall appropriate funds for the election in this special session."

Congressional Bill 16-33 is now pending with Congress to appropriate $60,000 to fund the national special election to seat the State of Pohnpei's at-large representative to the FSM Congress.

Following Speaker Figir's declaration this morning, an official letter conveying the same was transmitted to the Office of the National Election Director for the conduct of a Special National Election, in accordance to the law.