Section 1. The executive power of the State is vested in the Governor.
Section 2. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are elected by the qualified voters of the State at a general election. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor may be elected together from one ticket. The person or pair receiving a majority of votes cast wins. If no person or pair receives a majority of the votes cast, a special election shall be held between the two persons or pairs receiving the highest number of votes in the general election. In the event that an independent candidate prevails over a pair of candidates on the same ticket, and there is no majority vote for an independent candidate for the office not filled by the prevailing independent candidate, then a special election shall be held to fill the office left vacant.
(Amended by 1995 Con. Con.)
Section 3. The term of office of the Governor begins at noon on the second Tuesday of January following the general election and ends at noon on the second Tuesday of January four years thereafter. A Governor may not hold the same office for more than two consecutive terms and is eligible to hold the office of Governor only after one full term has intervened since his last day in office.
(Amended by 1995 Con. Con. The beginning date for term of office is effective as of the first full Governor’s term beginning after ratification. The consecutive term provision is effective upon first general election after ratification.)
Section 4. No person is eligible for the office of the Governor unless he has been a resident of the State for at least ten years immediately preceding filing for office, is at least thirty-five years of age, a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, a Kosraean by birth, and a qualified voter of the State, and has not been convicted of a felony unless he has received a pardon restoring his civil rights at least five years prior to the election date.
(Amended by 1995 Con. Con. Effective upon first general election after ratification.)
Section 5. The Governor may not hold another public office or public employment during his term of office.
(Amended by 1995 Con. Con. Effective upon first general election after ratification.)
Section 6. The Lieutenant Governor has the same qualifications as the Governor. The Lieutenant Governor is elected at the same time and for the same term.
(Amended by 1995 Con. Con.)
Section 7. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor receive annual salaries as prescribed by law. The salaries may not be increased or decreased for their terms of office except by general law applying to all State Government employees.
Section 8. If the office of Governor becomes vacant, the Lieutenant Governor becomes Governor. The Lieutenant Governor exercises and discharges the powers
