Certified Unofficial Results of the 2023 FSM Election

FSM Information Services  Press Release 13 March 2023

PALIKIR, Pohnpei—On March 7th, 2023, the citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) voted for their elected representatives in the Congress of the FSM. On March 13th, 2023, the Office of the President received the certified unofficial results from the FSM National Election Director.

Also known as the Nation’s unicameral Legislative Branch, the FSM Congress is comprised of fourteen (14) Senators, of whom four (4) serve in an At-Large capacity (i.e. representing an entire FSM State), and of whom ten (10) represent an individual Election District. At-Large Senators serve a four-year term; all other Senators serve a two-year term. Every Senator is eligible to serve in positions such as Speaker and Vice Speaker of Congress, though to serve in such a position the Congress must vote in favor of its approval. By contrast, only the four At-Large Senators are eligible to become the President and Vice President of the FSM. 

Below are the certified unofficial results from the FSM National Election Director.

Kosrae State has two Senators in the FSM Congress. For the four-year At-Large seat, candidate and contemporary Vice President Aren B. Palik received 1,836 votes; candidate Yoslyn G. Sigrah received 1,029 votes. 

For Kosrae’s two-year Election District seat, the incumbent and Honorable Paliknoa K. Welly ran unopposed and received 2,514 votes.  

Yap State has two Senators in the FSM Congress. For the four-year At-Large seat, the incumbent and Honorable Joseph Urusemal received 2,110 votes; candidate Fidelis T. Fanoway received 168 votes.  

For Yap’s two-year Election District Seat, the incumbent and Honorable Isaac V. Figir ran unopposed and received 2,283 votes.  

Chuuk State has six Senators in the FSM Congress. For the four-year At-Large seat, the incumbent and Honorable Wesley W. Simina received 12,756 votes; candidate Gillian N. Doone received 3,711 votes; candidate Nakama Sana received 3,693 votes.  

For Chuuk’s two-year Election District Seat representing the Mortlock Islands, the incumbent and Honorable Florencio S. Harper received 2,940 votes; candidate Juan K. Martin received 563 votes. 

For Chuuk’s two-year Election District Seat representing Northern Namoneas, the incumbent and Honorable Victor V. Gouland received 3,262 votes; candidate Tainiro K. Killion received 277 votes. 

For Chuuk’s two-year Election District Seat representing Southern Namoneas, the incumbent and Honorable Perpetua S. Konman received 3,572 votes; candidate Myron S. Hashiguchi received 3,280 votes. 

For Chuuk’s two-year Election District Seat representing Faichuuk, the incumbent and Honorable Tiwiter H. Aritos ran unopposed and received 3,985 votes. 

For Chuuk’s two-year Election District Seat representing the Northwest Islands, the incumbent and Honorable Robson U. Romolow received 1,155 votes; candidate Ruhpin Micky received 370 votes; and candidate Zander Refilong received 580 votes. 

Pohnpei State has four Senators in the FSM Congress. For the four-year At-Large seat, the incumbent and Honorable Peter M. Christian received 4,467 votes; candidate William N. Kostka received 3,906 votes; candidate Welson Panuel received 2,225 votes; and candidate David W. Panuelo received 2,045 votes. 

For Pohnpei’s two-year Election District Seat representing Kolonia Town, Sokehs, and the Southern Islands, candidate Dr. Merlynn A. Alfonso received 2,128 votes and the incumbent and Honorable Ferny S. Perman received 1,682 votes. 

For Pohnpei’s Election District Seat representing Kitti and Madolenihmw, candidate Quincy Lawrence received 3,057 votes and the incumbent and Honorable Dion G. Neth received 2,064 votes. 

For Pohnpei’s Election District Seat representing Nett, U, and the Eastern Islands, the incumbent and Honorable Esmond B. Moses received 2,159 votes and candidate Erick Paul received 1,531 votes. 

Per FSM law, national elections use the “First Past the Post” rules, i.e. whoever has the most votes wins; one does not require a majority of votes, merely a plurality. The President and Vice President are elected by the Congress from among the four At-Large senators. Vacant seats as a result of Presidential and Vice Presidential elections are then reopened for a Special Election. 

On May 11th, 2023, the 23rd Congress of the FSM will formally convene; amongst its first duties will include the election of the President and Vice President. Presuming the unofficial results remain accurate once certified as official, the four eligible candidates for the Presidency and Vice Presidency are Joseph Urusemal, Wesley W. Simina, Peter M. Christian, and Aren B. Palik. It is noteworthy that Joseph Urusemal and Peter M. Christian are both former Presidents of the FSM; that Wesley W. Simina is also currently the Speaker; and that Aren B. Palik is also currently the Vice President.