The Third Kosrae State Constitutional Convention is well underway and two proposals have passed second reading, making them eligible for public vote in the future.
The Constitutional Convention resumed session Tuesday in Kosrae, the thirteenth day of 20 scheduled days of session. If necessary, there is the possibility of an additional five days of session. Only two of the 86 proposals submitted have passed both first and second readings.
The first proposal would amend Section 4 of Article II of the Kosrae Constitution to define marriage only as the union between man and a woman. The amendment would make homosexual marriage illegal and says the definition of marriage as proposed is pursuant to Kosrae tradition. The proposal also states "The lawful authority to perform marriage ceremonies shall not be vested in those individuals who hold public office, including the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker, Vice Speaker, or any State Court justices."
The second proposal would amend Section 6(3) of Article IV to clearly define the terms of residency necessary and other requirements for senators and the governor in the state. The proposal would require those running for senator to have been an FSM citizen for no less than 10 years, a resident of the State of Kosrae for no less than five consecutive years immediately preceding election, and a resident of his electoral district for no less than one year immediately preceding election. The amendment would also require senators to be 25 years of age and have the ability to read and write. Those convicted of a felony are not eligible unless they have received a pardon restoring their civil rights at least five years prior to election or appointment.
The proposal would also require those running for governor to have been a resident of the state for at least 10 years immediately preceding filing for office, be at least 35 years of age, a citizen of the FSM, a Kosraean by birth, and a qualified voter of the state. The governor must also have no felony convictions on his or her record unless they have been pardoned at least five years prior to the election date.
These two proposals, along with any other proposals that survive the process, will be up for public vote on a special election ballot. The date of the election will be announced following the conclusion of the convention and cannot be held within 90 days of the convention.
These two proposals, along with any other proposals that survive the process, will be up for public vote on a special election ballot. The date of the election will be announced following the conclusion of the convention and cannot be held within 90 days of the convention.