HOD eyes transition period for ministers upon reflection of incumbent president 

A House of Delegates proposed bill to allow ministers, ambassadors, and the Postmaster General to continue serving for a transition period of sixty (60) days upon the reelection of an incumbent President was approved on third and final reading.

House Bill 12-13-IS-HD1 stated that the current law requires all ministers, ambassadors, and the Postmaster General have to be reconfirmed by the Senate at the start of a new Olbiil Era Kelulau, even when the same President is reelected, results in an immediate termination of ministerial functions and until they are reconfirmed the positions remain vacant which leave critical government positions which could impact government functions. 

“This disrupts governance and delays critical government operations. The Olbiil Era Kelulau finds that government continuity is essential to our national security and to ensuring that public services, including law enforcement, healthcare, and financial management, remain uninterrupted. 

The bill said the vacancy while the Senate reconfirms ministers, ambassadors, and the postmaster general is unnecessary. 

To address this issue, the Olbiil Era Kelulau said that Title 2 and Title 32 of PNC 19 must be amended to allow for Ministers, ambassadors, and the Postmaster General, serving in the immediately preceding Presidential administration, to continue to serve in their respective roles, for a limited time, and for an incumbent president at the start of a new Olbiil Era Kelulau from a previous term to continue to serve in their roles as Ministers while awaiting Senate confirmation. 

The amendment will ensure “an orderly transition and prevent the government from experiencing unnecessary operational halts that could negatively impact the people of Palau.  

The lawmakers call for a transition period of 60 days.