Article XII

SUFFRAGE AND ELECTIONS

     Section 1.  A general election shall be held every 2 years on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in March.  If the general election date for the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia is changed from March, or reasons such as natural disaster preclude the holding of an election on the date set, the election shall be held as prescribed by statute.

     Section 2.  A citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia who is a resident of the State of Chuuk and has attained the age of 18 may vote in the State.  Voting shall be secret.

     Section 3.  The Legislature shall prescribe by statute a minimum period of voter residency; disqualifications for conviction of crime, mental incompetence, or insanity; and for the protection of voting in the State of Chuuk.  Except as so provided, no resident entitled to vote may be denied the privilege to vote or be interfered with in voting.

     Section 4.  There shall be an independent Election Commission vested with powers, duties, and responsibilities, as prescribed by statute, for the administration of elections in the State of Chuuk, including voter registration and the conduct and certification of elections.