By The Star Staff
Eliezer Molina Pérez, an activist who has gained significant support with over 65,000 votes in favor of his candidacy for the position of at-large Senator through the write-in column, may face another challenge upon assuming the role. The Senate holds the constitutional power to assess the legal capacity of its members and may use this power to question Molina’s certification.
Former Senate President Kenneth McClintock stated that if the State Elections Commission (SEC) certifies Molina as the winner, the Senate can examine whether he was legally certified to occupy the seat. The SEC has counted variations of Molina’s name written on the ballots, such as “Eliezer Molina,” “Eliezer Molina Pérez,” “Eliezer Molina Peréz” (with an accent on the second E), and “Eliezer Molina Perez” (without an accent) as valid votes for Molina.
“If the SEC (State Elections Commission) certifies Eliezer Molina, starting Thursday, the Constitution states the Senate becomes the only judge of the legal capacity of its members, an absolute power it has used several times during its 107 years of history, something the media has not mentioned,” McClintock said in a social media posting.
Outgoing independent representative Luis Raul Torres has noted that Molina’s election reflects the determination of the people in advocating for social justice, natural resource protection, and anti-corruption efforts. However, Torres also cautioned that Molina may encounter a system with considerable challenges, necessitating a strategic and prudent approach to navigate potential controversies or situations that could be used against him. By adhering to the legislative body’s regulations, Molina can increase the likelihood of his proposals’ success and promote beneficial change for the people.
“His election represents a significant change in the legislative dynamic, which could upset sectors that are accustomed to operating under traditional schemes. Therefore, it will be essential that he act with caution and prudence, avoiding falling into possible controversies or situations that could be used against him. He must maintain a strategic approach based on the regulations of the legislative body to ensure that his proposals and efforts to benefit the people can prosper,” Torres wrote in a social media posting.
The NPP, according to the CEE won the elections and already appointed the president of the Senate and the Speaker; however, it seems this isn't enough since they are trying, by all means, to prevent a genuine people's representative from participating freely and democratically in governing the country for the next 4 years. They even went back in time and space to recruit an old statehood soldier to dig out a maneuver to suppress one of the dissenting voices in the legislature, dating back 107 years; we were told, "the Constitution states the Senate becomes the only judge of the legal capacity of its members, an absolute power it has used several times during its 107 years of history."
Mr.…