Overview:
Angaur may soon have its third governor in one term — but the outcome of the special election is already being questioned.
Unofficial results show former Gov. Kennosuke Suzuky leading the vote to fill the remaining nine months of the term following last month’s recall. If certified, he would become the second former governor to return to office within two months.
But interim Gov. Steven Salii says the election may be constitutionally invalid, arguing the legislature authorized it by resolution instead of law.
Should the results stand? What does the Constitution require — and what does this mean for stability in Angaur?
Read the full story and share your thoughts.
By: Summer Kennard
KOROR, Palau (Feb. 20, 2026) — Former Angaur Gov. Kennosuke Abel Suzuky is leading in unofficial results from a special election to fill the state’s top office, a race that could make him the second former governor to return to power within two months — even as the current officeholder argues the election itself is invalid.
Unofficial results released after Thursday’s vote show Suzuky with 69 votes and challenger Warren Fukuichi with 56.
The Palau Election Commission reported that 135 ballots were cast out of 469 registered voters, a turnout of about 29%.
If certified, Suzuky would become the third governor to serve during the 22nd Angaur State Government and would complete the remaining nine months of the current term. He previously served two terms as governor from 2018 to 2022.
The special election was held following the recall of Gov. Natus Misech last month.
After the recall, Steven Salii assumed the governorship under Article IX, Section 4 of the Angaur State Constitution, which provides that a vacancy may be filled by the second-highest vote-getter from the last statewide general election.
The same constitutional provision also states that if the vacancy occurs more than 180 days before the term expires, the Angaur Legislature, the Olbiil Era Ngeaur, “shall, by law, provide for a special election,” with the replacement serving only the unexpired term.
The 22nd Olbiil Era Ngeaur later adopted a resolution citing that provision and calling for the special election.
Salii, however, contends the election does not meet constitutional requirements. He argues the legislature cannot authorize a special election by resolution and that a formal law is required. On that basis, he maintains the election should be declared void.
As of publication, this news organization had not obtained a copy of any state law authorizing the special election to confirm or refute Salii’s claim.
Sherwin Yamaguchi, executive director of the Palau Election Commission, said the cost of conducting a special election typically ranges from $5,000 to $6,000. He added that such elections are not specifically budgeted.
The outcome means Angaur could see three different governors within a single term, including two former governors returning to the office in a short period.