Overview:
Airai State gears up for its 10th general election on March 2, with incumbent Governor Norman Ngiratecheboet facing challenger Collins Takeo. Voters will also choose members of the 15-seat legislature, including 23 candidates competing for at-large and hamlet seats. With a growing voter base and absentee ballots requested from around the world, this election promises to be one to watch.
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
KOROR, Palau (Feb. 12, 2026) — Airai State will hold its 10th general election on March 2, with voters set to choose a governor and members of the 15-seat state legislature amid a growing voter base and early interest in absentee voting.
Incumbent Gov. Norman Ngiratecheboet is seeking re-election and faces a challenge from former challenger Collins Takeo.
A total of 23 candidates are running for the Airai State Legislature. Thirteen candidates are contesting the nine at-large seats: Dorcas Ngiruchelbad, Reagan Sidoi, Ralph Kanai, Williander “Wandei” Ngotel, Helena Rois Yoichi-Arurang, LeoBen Teriong, McMichael Mutok Jr., Sherman Daniel, O’Dear C. Yobech, Herman Alfonso, Sano Sakurai, Kiruu Ngirmekur Kanai and Lekelong Secharraimul.
Candidates for the six hamlet seats are:
- Ngeruluobel: Harrison Sangiei Tell, Clive Tellei, Lora Rengiil
- Ngerusar: Dennis Renguul, Kimberly Elarionoff
- Oikull: Richard R. Rechirei, Hana Morei
- Ngchesechang: Lalie “Lals” Ikluk
- Ordomel: C. Torual Gibbons
- Ngetkib: Bausoch Giramur
According to the Palau Election Commission, 70 voters have requested absentee ballots — 43 to Guam, with the remainder going to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the mainland United States and Japan. The deadline to request absentee ballots is Feb. 23.
Airai currently has 1,735 registered voters, an increase from 1,614 registered voters in the previous general election four years ago.
Polling locations are still being finalized and are expected to be publicly announced within a week, the commission said. Voter turnout in the last Airai election was 54%.