Olter, Bailey (1932- )

Micronesian politician, president 1991-97. In 1979 Olter became vice president of the senate in the first congress of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and in May 1991, standing as a ‘senator at large’ for Pohnpei, was elected executive president of the FSM. He was unanimously re-elected by the congress in May 1995, but suffered a stroke in July 1996. The vice president, Jacob Nena, took over as acting president in November 1996 while Olter convalesced, and in May 1997 Olter formally stepped down as president.

Born in Mwoakilloa, in Pohnpei state, Olter studied at the University of Hawaii and became a teacher of science and mathematics. His political career began in Pohnpei, where he became treasurer and president of the local legislature.