The President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), David Panuelo has informed his people, the upcoming March 2023 election will be his last, to pave the way for new and young leaders.
“I will accept the will of the people, regardless of whether I am voted in or not, I will be honoured to serve the nation, said President Panuelo.
If I don’t get elected, I will make way for the transition of power to the next administration, he promised in his State of the Nation address last Friday.
“I will take the work of preparing the peaceful transition of power to the next administration very seriously and as a top priority, I will endeavour to ensure, in my capacity, whatever that may be, that more women are represented in the seats of power and influence, said President Panuelo.
He said FSM will become a stronger Micronesian nation if more youth and women are directly involved in decision making and national building process.
President Panuelo was elected President of FSM on 11 May 2019.
The FSM Election Commission announced in December last year that general election will be held on 07 March 2023.
The March 2023 general election will determine the fourteen (14) Senators who comprise the 23rd Congress of the FSM. Four of the Senators will represent the States of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae in an “At-Large” capacity, serving for a four-year term. Ten of the Senators will represent individual election districts within the States of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae, serving for a two-year term.