Panuelo beats President Christian for the Pohnpei at-large seat, 6,775 to 6,716. A constitutional convention call passes with 61%.
What happened
Losing his Pohnpei at-large seat by 59 votes meant President Christian could not be chosen for a second term, as had happened to Haglelgam in 1991 and Falcam in 2003. Pacific Island Times reported the loss alongside a US bribery case in which Christian’s son-in-law was charged. The convention question won majorities only in Kosrae and Pohnpei.
Who’s who
- John HaglelgamSecond President of the FSM, 1987–1991; from Yap
- Leo FalcamFifth President of the FSM, 1999–2003; from Pohnpei
- Peter M. ChristianEighth President of the FSM, 2015–2019; from Pohnpei
- David PanueloNinth President of the FSM, 2019–2023; from Pohnpei
