by Mindy Aguon

Guam - The Guam Election Commission is hoping to iron out an outstanding debt with Electronic Systems & Software, so that Decision 2010 Primary Election results can be electronically tabulated. The board convened this afternoon to discuss the $141,000 bill.

GEC Executive Director John Blas informed the board that the agency must obtain a written commitment from the Government of Guam with a specific date of when the debt will be paid in October, after the start of the new fiscal year when they will be authorized to pay the bill. Blas says this will require assurances from the Bureau of Budget Management & Research office and the Department of Administration to guarantee that the bill will be paid.

If the commitment isn't made, ES&S has indicated that it will not service the electronic tabulating machines, which means GEC staffers will have to conduct manual tabulations of ballots for the primary and possibly the general election as well.

The board was also given an update on those who have filed their candidacy. To date only incumbent senators Adolpho Palacios and Telo Taitague, and candidates Thomas Fejeran and former Guam Education Policy board chair Joe San Agustin have filed and met the necessary requirements to run in the upcoming primary election.

Candidates have until July 6 to file with the GEC.