(Koror, Palau) With less than four months until the general election, four newcomers are entering the race for the Senate. Vierra Toribiong, Ann Singeo, Siegfried Nakamura, Joann Risong Tarkong, and Brian Melairei are now campaigning for seats in the Senate, joining the current 13 senators who are all expected to run for re-election.
To date, no candidate for the Senate has filed their official nominating petition, according to the Palau Election Commission (PEC). Information on PEC’s website indicates that the last day to file nominating petitions for all candidates is August 7. The deadline for registering to vote in the general election is September 6.
In the event of a primary election, the last day to register to vote will be July 26. Absentee ballots will be available before the request deadline of October 29, and the last day to receive them is set for November 12.
Four Senate candidates have publicly declared their candidacy on radio talk shows, and two have declared on TV. The campaign season continues, with more candidates expected to come forward. (By: Olkeriil Eoghan Ngirudelsang)