The Northern Mariana Islands, a commonwealth of the United States, held its gubernatorial election on November 7, 2009. The results are: Fitial Benigno (Covenant Party) 4,892 votes; Heinz Hofschneider (Republican Party) 4,900 votes; Juan Guerrero (independent) 2,643 votes; Ramon DeLeon Guerrero (independent), 1,075 votes.

For the first time, the Northern Mariana Islands election law provides for a run-off if no one gets 50%. Since no one has even as much as 37% in this first round, there will be a run-off. The law says the run-off must be held within 2 weeks after the results of the first round are certified. Results must be certified within 10 days of an election, so the run-off will probably be on November 28. For the election returns, see www.votecnmi.gov.mp. UPDATE: here is a newspaper story about the run-off.