By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
Koror, Palau – Twenty-six candidates are running for the Senate, and 35 for the House of Delegates in Palau’s upcoming general election.
According to the Palau Election Commission, all 13 incumbent senators are seeking re-election, with 13 new candidates also contending for Senate seats. Most candidates submitted their nomination petitions within the last three days, following speculation about a lack of interested candidates.
The new Senate candidates include Ann Singeo, Dilmei Olkeriil, Ismael Remoket, Sandra Pierantozzi, Moses Uludong, Joann Risong Tarkong, Jeff Ngirarsaol, Blodak Quichocho, Seigfried Nakamura, Brian Melairei, Ann Pedro, and Lee Otobed.
In the race for the House of Delegates, Vicky N. Kanai of Airai is the only incumbent not seeking re-election. The remaining incumbents are running again.
Several states have multiple candidates vying for their delegate seat. Airai has five candidates, Ngiwal has four, and Ngardmau and Ngatpang each have three. The other states have two candidates each, except for Aimeliik, Ngarchelong, Sonsorol, and Hatohobei, where the incumbent delegates are running unopposed.
If the re-apportionment committee’s decision remains unchanged over the next two months, voters will elect 15 senators and 16 delegates.
I thought Moses Uludong was running for the President’s office. But, now his name is on the list of individuals running for the Senate.