By: Olkeriil Eoghan Ngirudelsang
KOROR, Palau – Any government employee in Palau must resign within 14 days of filing candidacy papers to run for elected office, according to the National Public Services Act.
The law, outlined in Section 1104 of the act, prohibits national and state government employees from accepting nominations for elected office without quitting their jobs.
The Palau Election Commission (PEC) verifies candidates’ backgrounds before certifying their petitions. This process can take one to two weeks, depending on how quickly other agencies provide information, the PEC said.
As of Sunday, eight people had filed nominating petitions for the Senate: Ann K. Singeo, Joann Risong Tarkong, Kazuki L. Topps Sungino, Jeff Ngirarsaol, Steve Kuartei, Lentcer Basilius, Blodak S. Quichocho, and Siegfried Nakamura. Six candidates have filed for the House of Delegates: Noah Kemesong (Kayangel), Gibson Kanai (Ngaraard), Frutoso “Toto” Tellei (Melekeok), Rebecca Sebalt Ngirmechaet (Ngchesar), Warren S. Umetaro (Aimeliik), and Yutaka Gibbons Jr. (Sonsorol).
No one has filed for president or vice president. The deadline for submitting nominations for the upcoming general election is Aug. 7.
No current government employees are among the candidates who have filed so far.
Meanwhile, the position of Palau Election Commissioner remains unfilled despite announcements of the vacancy.