December 22, 2024
Alii Editor:
Nearly two weeks have passed since the Palau Election Commission canceled the second runoff election for the Ngardmau State Delegate to the 12th Constitutional Government. The installation is slated for January 16, 2025.
In its decision to vacate the runoff just one day before it was to be conducted, the Palau Election Commission Board said its decision was based on a legal opinion by the Office of the Attorney General. Apparently, the AGs Office ruled the Board has no authority to schedule a second runoff. That was the explanation issued by the office. There has been no other official information since to the more than 460 registered voters of Ngardmau State.
In the meantime, media reports indicate that the next House of Delegates has already organized its leadership, with committee assignments decided. Ngardmau State voters – without elected representation – have been denied the opportunity to participate in this important process.
Ngardmau voters are told to wait for PEC’s next instructions, which could be delayed until after the new government is installed in January.
Elections are a fundamental component of Democracy; that an entire state has been disenfranchised is undemocratic, and wrong.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Ngardmau!
Sincerely,
/s/ Fermin R. Meriang
Ngardmau State