2017 Marshallese Constitutional Convention election explained

Constitutional Convention elections were held in the Marshall Islands on 21 February 2017.[1]

Background

A constitutional convention is used in the Marshall Islands to consider proposed constitutional amendments that have been endorsed by the Legislature. The convention cannot propose new amendments and can only debate those approved by the parliament.[2] Previous conventions had been held in 1977, 1989 and 1995.

While more were added after the election, the proposed changes for the 2017 Constitutional Convention initially included:[3]

Electoral system

The 45 members of the Constitutional Convention consisted of 33 directly-elected delegates elected from the 33 Legislature districts, and 12 Iroijs (chiefs).[4] Postal voting was not allowed.[1]

Campaign

A total of 119 candidates contested the 33 directly-elected seats, whilst 24 ran for the 12 seats reserved for the Iroijs. All but seven of the thirty-three members of the Legislature ran for election to the convention.[5]

Results

Elected members
SeatMember
Directly-electedJack J. Ading
Tony Aiseia
Jack Akeang
Maynard Alfred
Jejwarick H. Anton
Jerakoj J. Bejang
Winnie Benjamin
Kejjo Bien
Donald F. Capelle
Stephen K. Dribo
McAvoy M. Espern
Thomas Heine
Peterson Jibas
Jimmy Jonathan
David Kabua
Hilton Kendall
Jien Morris Lekka
Nuia Loeak
Yoland Logdge-Ned
Nidel Lorak
Rebecca Lorennij
Lomes McKay
Almo Momotaro
Phillip H. Muller
Neti Nathan
Casten Nemra
Kessai H. Note
David Paul
Atbi Riklon
Jorelik Tibon
Stanny Tomeing
Brenson Wase
Ruben Zackhras
IroijsHelkena Anni
Bruce Bilimon
Elbod Boaz
Kiorina Capelle
Wilbur Heine
Kosma Johanes
Michael Kabua
Tommy Kijiner Jr.
Kotak Loeak
Christopher J. Loeak
Lein Zedkeia
Source: RMI Constitutional Convention

Aftermath

The Constitutional Convention opened in April 2017. Kessai Note was elected as the body's President, defeating Christopher Loeak by a vote of 22–21.[6]

After a long pause due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the works of the convention was finally put to a referendum on 20 November 2023.

Notes and References

  1. http://marshallislandsjournal.com/?p=4181 Voters stay home
  2. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/201828760/marshall-is-seats-to-be-hotly-contested Marshall Is seats to be hotly contested
  3. http://marshallislandsjournal.com/Journal_WP/?p=2220 At long last: Yes to Con-Con
  4. http://rmi-concon.org/cms/about.html Brief Overview of Political Development in the Republic of the Marshall Islands
  5. http://www.mvariety.com/regional-news/91656-marshalls-candidates-gear-for-con-con-election Marshalls candidates gear for Con-Con election
  6. http://marshallislandsjournal.com/?p=4347 Long-awaited Con-Con starts