By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
KOROR, Palau — Ngaraard Gov. Sharp Sakuma, who is seeking re-election, admitted Friday that he failed to officially file his candidacy, meaning his name will not appear on the ballot in the upcoming general election.
“I apologize to the people of Ngaraard,” Sakuma said during a televised talk show. “I admit it was my mistake as I was not aware and did not hear the announcements made by the Palau Election Commission (PEC).”
Sakuma said he submitted a letter to the PEC board in mid-July requesting an extension of the filing deadline and calling for better communication of election announcements. He also submitted a late nominating petition and the required candidacy documents.
The PEC board denied his request on Aug. 5 but recommended an amendment to Ngaraard’s state law governing primary election dates, which could extend the filing period by rescheduling the primary. Following that advice, Sakuma submitted a proposed amendment to the Ngaraard state assembly.
Sakuma is now running as a write-in candidate, along with Keizy Shiro, Ben Iskawa and Hefflin Bai.
The PEC has set Oct. 20 as the deadline for nominating petitions for legislature at-large and county officials in Palau’s 12th general election. So far, no one has filed for the Ngaraard state assembly.
Ngaraard had 1,237 registered voters in the 11th general election, when turnout was 47 percent with 578 ballots cast. That race was decided by just six votes, with Sakuma defeating then-incumbent Benjamin Iskawa, 287 to 281.
As of now, Ngaraard has 1,247 registered voters. The voter registration period is open until Oct. 29.