Overview:
Voters in Angaur State are casting ballots today in a special recall election to decide whether to remove Gov. Natus Misech from office amid allegations of misconduct and mismanagement. This marks the second attempt within his first year in office, following a previous petition that failed to meet the legal threshold. Residents have raised concerns over the handling of state property, government operations, and financial records, while Misech defends his actions and questions the motivations behind the recall.
By: L.N. Reklai
ANGUAR, Palau (January 6, 2026) — “This recall is not about misconduct — it’s about stopping the truth from coming out,” Gov. Natus Misech said, as voters in Angaur State head to the polls today to decide whether to remove him from office in the second recall attempt within his first year as governor.
The recall election follows a successful petition drive that exceeded the legal threshold required to trigger a special election. Petition organizers submitted 156 signatures — more than 30% of Angaur’s 456 registered voters — surpassing the requirement set by law. The Palau Election Commission certified the petition, allowing the recall vote to proceed.
The effort marks the second time Angaur residents have sought to remove Misech since he took office. A first recall attempt in September 2025 failed after petitioners were unable to collect the required 25% of registered voters’ signatures, and the petition was rejected.
The current petition accuses Misech of multiple acts of misconduct, including returning a speedboat belonging to Angaur State to the government of Japan, selling state-owned properties such as housing containers, shutting down state government operations without notifying the public or the Angaur State Legislature, withholding the salary of a sitting legislator, and transferring a 35-foot fishing boat owned by Angaur State to the Koror State Government.
Additional allegations include the disposal of two speedboat engines and mismanagement of state assets.
Misech has denied breaking state laws and has publicly defended his actions. In a recent appearance on Palau Wave Radio, the governor addressed the allegations and provided explanations for several decisions cited in the recall petition.
Misech said the speedboat was returned to the Japan Embassy because Angaur lacked the funds needed to complete the project. He also raised concerns about the alleged misappropriation of Japanese grant funds by the previous administration related to the boat’s procurement.
Regarding the two speedboat engines, Misech said they were removed from a state boat that had sunk before his term began and had been sitting at the Surangel dock for nearly a year. He said the engines were beyond repair.
Misech said that when he assumed office, there was no transition report from the previous administration and that he was not provided with bank account information or documentation outlining the state’s financial position. As a result, he said he hired a financial professional to help reconstruct Angaur’s financial records.
During that review, Misech said he discovered loans taken out in Angaur State’s name without authorizing legislation, along with outstanding debts. He also said state boats were in disrepair due to chronic underfunding, limiting transportation options for residents.
Misech alleged that the recall effort was politically motivated and intended to prevent him from uncovering wrongdoing by former state leaders. He cited pending allegations involving the misappropriation of Japan Grassroots Grant funds, stating that more than $87,000 allegedly went missing from a project intended to procure a boat for Angaur State.
Former Japanese Ambassador Orikasa previously urged the Palau government to investigate and resolve the matter, warning that unresolved allegations could jeopardize future Japanese grant assistance. Under Angaur State law, a recall requires a two-thirds majority of votes cast in favor of removal. If the recall is successful, the governor’s seat will be declared vacant and a separate special election will be held to select a new governor