Overview:
A surprise leadership change has reshaped the Palau House of Delegates, with Angaur Delegate Mario Gulibert replacing Gibson Kanai of Ngaraard as speaker and a new majority taking control.
By: L.N. Reklai
NGERULMUD, Palau (October 5, 2026) In an unexpected move Monday, the Palau House of Delegates overturned its leadership, replacing Delegate Gibson Kanai of Ngaraard as speaker with Delegate Mario Gulibert of Angaur.
Gulibert, who had served as vice speaker, was appointed speaker under House Resolution 12-12-7S. Delegate Timothy Sinsak of Ngarchelong became vice speaker, while Delegate Noah Kemesong of Kayangel became floor leader, replacing Delegate Warren Umetaro of Aimeliik.
The new House officers were sworn in Oct. 5 and officially assumed their positions.
The leadership change was approved with 13 votes in favor, including two abstentions counted as votes supporting the resolution. One delegate voted against it and two were absent.
Those voting in favor were Kemesong of Kayangel, Gulibert of Angaur, Sinsak of Ngarchelong, Blesoch of Ngardmau, Franz-Kesolei of Ngeremlengui, Ngirmechaet of Ngchesar, Marino of Hatohobei, Tellei of Melekeok, Ngirameketii of Ngiwal and Soalablai of Peleliu. Delegates Otong and Gibbons abstained which counted as favorable votes.
Delegates Rechelulk of Koror and Ngirchoimei of Airai were off-island. Umetaro of Aimeliik voted against the resolution.
The resolution recalling the previous officers cited concerns over the House’s “current leadership,” stating that the “good work and policy aspirations of Delegates is not possible” under the existing leadership and calling the situation “intolerable” and a “disservice to each and every citizen in the Republic.”
The resolution also cited Rule 1(D) of the House rules of procedure, which allows an officer’s tenure to be terminated “by recall or action of the House.”
The leadership change comes amid concerns over the pace of legislative work.
President Surangel Whipps Jr. said during the Mechesil Belau Conference on Sept. 30 that the Olbiil era Kelulau had spent $16 million over the past two years while producing only eight laws.
Sinsak, now vice speaker, said he agreed with the president’s assessment that the situation should not continue.
One challenge, he said, is the lack of sufficient legal support for lawmakers reviewing and advancing legislation.
“We have one legal counsel and he is overwhelmed,” Sinsak said. “To move the bills, we need to have another attorney to help.”
He said proposed legislation must be reviewed by legal counsel and that having only one attorney is not enough.
Sinsak said strengthening legal support will be one of the priorities of the new House leadership.
The new leadership also plans to improve coordination with the Senate and the president.
“We must work with the Senate and the President too if we want to get things done,” Sinsak said. “We may not agree on everything but we must work together.”
The leadership change creates a new majority in the House as the delegation enters the final stretch of the current term.
A local political commentator questioned whether the change would have enough time to produce significant results before the next election cycle.
“It’s a bit late in the game,” the commenter said. “Perhaps one or two regular sessions that can turn things before lameduck season hits followed by election posturing.”
The comment referred to the final year of an elected term, when legislative activity can slow as lawmakers turn their attention to campaigns and elections.
The new leadership will therefore face pressure to demonstrate results quickly, particularly on legislation that has stalled or requires additional legal review.