The 2001 Northern Mariana Islands general election was held on Saturday, 3 November 2001, electing the governor and members to the legislature. The 2001 elections marked the last general election that the dissolved Reform Party, which merged back into the Democratic Party in 2002,[1] would appear on the ballot. Despite the economic hardships experienced under Pedro Pangelinan Tenorio's Administration, the apparent strength the 1999 general elections signaled that the Democratic Party and its splinter Reform Party had, and the newly formed Covenant Party which was formed as a splinter party from the ruling Republican Party, Republican candidate Juan Nekai Babauta won with a landslide in the four-way race. Benigno Repeki Fitial's newly formed Covenant Party landed a distant yet sizable second place. Jesus Borja of the Democratic Party won a distant third and Froilan Tenorio of the Reform Party placed fourth.[2]
Incumbent Governor Pedro Pangelinan Tenorio chooses to not seek a fourth term, ending his career with his unprecedented three term victories, being the only governor in CNMI history to win more than two terms.[3] The 2001 elections takes place in the aftermath of the 1999 election, which saw the newly formed Reform Party achieve a "stunning upset and defeat of formidable incumbent Senator Juan P. Tenorio (Morgen) by newcomer Ramon "Kumoi" Santos Deleon Guerrero."[4][5] The election of the CNMI's first third party lawmaker sent massive shockwaves throughout the territory and had aroused significant discussion for the future of the political landscape. However, the Reform Party's failure to obtain seats in the House of Representatives signaled that the Party may not have staying power.[5] This took place at the same time the Democratic Party observed a resurgence.[5] The 2001 election saw a four-way race between candidates from four political parties, including the newly formed Covenant Party.[6] This election was also defined by the 1997 Asian financial crisis, which saw as many as 2,000 businesses in the CNMI close down, severely affecting the ruling incumbent Republican party.[5] Tourism has been significantly negatively affected and austerity measures have begun to pressure the population as the economy has turned negative since Pedro Tenorio took office.[7]
Three mayoral posts were up for election across the Commonwealth. Saipan's incumbent Mayor, Republican Jose C. Sablan, announced that he would not seek reelection due to health issues.[25] Republicans Frank Cepeda and Henry Sablan, and Democrat Juan Borja Tudela have expressed intention in seeking the Saipan mayoralty.[25] Democrat Juan Borja Tudela won the Saipan mayoral race.[26] Rota's incumbent Mayor, Benjamin Manglona, sought reelection[24] and won.[27] Incumbent Tinian and Aguiguan Mayor, Republican Francisco M. Borja, announced his reelection bid[28] and won.[29]
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