by Ken Quintanilla

Guam - Today marks the start for those deciding to run this year's election to file their candidacy with the Guam Election Commission. According to GEC executive director Maria Pangelinan, over three dozen individuals have picked up candidacy packets since the beginning of this year with the intent to run or to draft a candidate.

GEC executive director Maria Pangelinan confirms with KUAM that Jonathan Diaz had attempted to file his candidacy for governor however she could not accept it. She says while Diaz had paid a filing fee, upon realizing he did not meet all the requirements GEC ceased to process his packet. The filing fee is the first requirement on the GEC checklist. Diaz intended to run for governor but did not have a lt. governor running mate which is required under the organic act. Pangelinan says she tried to return the filing fee but Diaz refused to take it back. KUAM had called Diaz on the matter but he did have any comment.

As of late this afternoon no one had filed their candidacy just yet but there's still plenty of time as the deadline isn't until July 1.

Today meanwhile also marks the deadline for public officials to file their financial disclosure and conflict of interest statements with the GEC. Those unable to meet today's deadline can file an extension for up to 180 days or until October 17. Pangelinan says over 100 individuals have yet to file anything with the GEC as of this afternoon.