President Simina issues Presidential Proclamation for the Amendments to the Constitution of the Federated States of Micronesia

Palikir, Pohnpei, October 4, 2023 – Through the democratic process of the 4th Constitutional Convention, the FSM Constitution has been amended.

In mid-September, the results of the July 4th Special Election/Referendum were officially certified with all 9 proposed constitutional amendments declared as sufficient for ratification by the Office of the National Election Director. In accordance with the last step of the Constitutional Amendment Procedure Act, today, President Simina has signed and issued the Presidential Proclamation announcing the ratification of the nine amendments, now effective as of the date of the election.

In terms of next steps and implementation, the Executive branch through the Department of Justice is now working on the enabling legislation for the amendments, whenever such legislation is needed.  Some of the amendments are self-executing and do not need any further legislation, in which case, the Department of Justice is drafting the necessary regulations.

“The people have spoken. Now it’s our job to navigate and uphold these changes. Today our Constitution is more reflective of what the people of the FSM value and the times we live in.” President Simina stated.

On the Convention’s official website the vision of the FSM’s forefathers is described as “The political leaders of Micronesia recognized from the beginning that the people of Micronesia had a right to adopt their own Constitution and to amend or change that Constitution.  The Delegates to the 1975 Constitution knew that there would be social, economic, and political changes that would require amending the Constitution and provided for an orderly and legitimate process for making those amendments so that the FSM could adjust to changing times and circumstances.”

The Simina-Palik administration wishes to thank the honorable delegates to the 4th Constitutional Convention and to all of the citizens who exercised their right to vote, and ultimately led the FSM to this important milestone in our nation’s history.

More information on the amendments can be found at https://gov.fm/…/715-all-nine-proposed-amendments-to…