The impeachment trial of Gov. Ralph Torres of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands begins on May 13.

The House voted in favor of six articles of impeachment in January, including two felony charges, two corruption charges, and two charges of neglect. Six of the nine senators will have to vote affirmatively to convict Torres and remove him from office.

Torres was also arraigned in superior court on criminal charges alleging 12 counts of misconduct in public office and one count of theft.

The court scheduled an evidentiary hearing for May 31.

The Judiciary and Governmental Operations Committee Chair, Rep. Celina Babauta introduced articles of impeachment against Northern Mariana Islands Gov. Ralph Torres on December 20, with 13 lawmakers sponsoring the resolution.

House Resolution 22-14 outlines six articles of impeachment, including two felony charges, two corruption charges, and two charges of neglect.

A special bipartisan committee with investigative powers was established on December 22 to investigate and has 30 days to submit a report.

Two-thirds of the 20-person House need to vote in favor for the impeachment to proceed, and two-thirds of the Senate will have to vote affirmatively to convict Torres and remove him from office.

Democrat Corina Magofna defeated Republican Grace Sablan Vaiagae in the special general election on October 16 for Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives District 3.

Magofna fills the vacancy caused by the death of Ivan A. Blanco and will complete the remainder of Blanco’s unexpired term which ends in 2022.