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Declaration of Winning Candidate for Congressional Election in Chuuk ED#5

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): March 26, 2009 - Mr. Emilio Eperiam has communicated officially as Acting Director of the FSM National Election Director's Office to announce the results of the recount for two ballot boxes in Election District #5 - Northwest Islands of Chuuk State. The recount was sanctioned after incumbent Senator Moses Nelson filed a complaint with the Election Commission on "irregularities" cited in two ballot boxes; one from Nomwin Municipality and one from Ruo Municipality.

A recount of the Nomwin and Ruo Municipality ballot boxes was conducted on March 24, 2009 by a special committee established by the National Election Director and they found that Mr. Tony Otto was the winning candidate receiving the "plurality votes".

The special committee found that the results of the tabulation of the two ballot boxes were accurately tabulated and tallied and that they were not tampered with. The "irregularity" cited was that Senator Nelson garnered zero votes from Ruo Municipality and this was found to be the case. So on March 25, 2009, the Acting Director issued a declaration of the winning candidate for ED#5 and listed Mr. Tony Otto with 928 total votes received.

For more information or questions, please contact the FSM National Election Director's office at (691) 320-4283 or email at ned@mail.fm.