Overview:
Angaur State voters will return to the polls on Feb. 19 to elect a new governor following the recent recall of Gov. Natus Misech. The state legislature has appointed Steven R. Salii as interim governor while the Palau Election Commission prepares to administer the special election, which will fill the position for the remainder of the current term ahead of November’s general election.
By: Laurel Marewibuel
KOROR, Palau — The Angaur State Legislature has appointed an interim governor and set a special election for Feb. 19 following the recall of Gov. Natus Misech.
The 22nd Olbiil Era Ngeaur (OEN) unanimously adopted Resolution No. 22-14 during a second special session on Jan. 17, naming Steven R. Salii as interim governor and establishing the timeline to elect a permanent replacement.
The action follows a Jan. 6 recall election in which more than two-thirds of Angaur voters supported removing Misech, meeting the requirement under Angaur State Public Law No. 8-13. The Palau Election Commission certified the results on Jan. 12, immediately vacating the governor’s office.
Under Article IX, Section 4 of the Angaur Constitution and state law, the position is filled temporarily by the runner-up from the most recent statewide general election. Salii agreed to serve in the interim role.
Because more than 180 days remain in the current term, the legislature is required to call a special election within 45 days to select a new governor. Salii’s service will end once the elected governor is sworn into office.
The Palau Election Commission will administer the election and related logistics.
Key election deadlines include:
- Feb. 4: Deadline to request absentee ballots (15 days before the election)
- Feb. 9: Voter registration deadline (10 days before the election)
- Feb. 18: Deadline for receipt of absentee ballots (one day before the election)
The governor elected on Feb. 19 is expected to serve the remainder of the current term, which runs until the next general election scheduled for November. The term will last about nine months, and the officeholder may begin campaigning for the upcoming general election upon taking office.
The February vote will be the third election for Angaur governor administered by the Palau Election Commission within a 14-month period. Including the November general election later this year, Angaur could hold four elections for the same office within two years, a historic number for a single position.