KOROR, Palau — A temporary restraining order (TRO) aimed at halting a vote on constitutional amendments in Peleliu State was denied, with a preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for next week. The hearing will determine whether the proposed amendments can be included in Peleliu’s 15th General State Election.

The complaint was filed by a group of Peleliu citizens, including chiefs, traditional women leaders, and former legislators, who sought to prevent the Palau Election Commission from allowing the vote.

The proposed amendments would restructure the state legislature by reducing its size from 15 to 11 members, eliminating seats reserved for chiefs, and adding one at-large seat. They would also transfer authority over military activities in Peleliu from public referendum, which currently requires 75% approval, to the governor and legislature. Additionally, the amendments would limit the role of chiefs to serving as advisors to the governor.

Justice Lourdes Materne denied the TRO, citing the availability of alternative remedies, and set the preliminary injunction hearing for next week, before the election.

The plaintiffs argue that the legislative resolutions authorizing the vote—Resolutions 39 and 40—should be nullified, claiming the public was not adequately educated about the proposed changes or their implications. They also assert that the resolutions lack a severance clause, rendering them void.

If the injunction is granted, the general election will proceed without the proposed amendments. If denied, voters will decide on the amendments during the election.