Overview:
Ngardmau is preparing for another special gubernatorial election following a second impeachment resolution against Gov. Jennifer Ngiraiwet. The Palau Election Commission says it is reviewing the resolution and preparing rules for a new election, unless further court action intervenes.
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
Ngardmau, Palau (Sept. 28, 2026) – The Palau Election Commission (PEC) is preparing for another special gubernatorial election in Ngardmau unless the planned election is challenged in court, according to PEC officials.
First Impeachment and Legal Battle
In a rare political development, seven members of the Ngardmau Legislature—Kelulul Ngardmau (KN)—introduced and passed KN Resolution No. 11-21-2026 on July 21, 2026, during the ninth day of its Third Regular Session. The resolution accused and impeached Ngardmau Governor Jennifer Ngiraiwet on grounds of bribery and personal enrichment.
The seven legislators behind the measure were Terrence Miozawa, Victor Masahiro, Diana Smau, Neil Fisher, Akiko Udui, Albert Ngirmekur, and Willard Kumangai. The seven legislators were more than enough to meet the two-thirds constitutional requirement for impeachment.
Ngiraiwet filed suit against the Kelulul Ngardmau on July 27, asking the court to declare the impeachment void and restore her to the office of governor, arguing that the legislature violated her right to due process. The trial court initially ruled in favor of the Kelulul Ngardmau, but Ngiraiwet appealed and prevailed. On September 16—just two days before the scheduled September 18 gubernatorial election—the Appellate Court reversed the trial court’s decision, declared the impeachment void, and restored Ngiraiwet to office. Following the ruling, the PEC announced the cancellation of the special election.
Second Impeachment Resolution Passed Same Night
That same night, after the Appellate Court’s September 16 decision nullifying the first impeachment, the same seven legislators reconvened and passed a second resolution, KN Resolution No. 11-27-2026, to impeach Ngiraiwet for a second time.
PEC Prepares for New Special Election
According to PEC Executive Director Yamaguchi, the commission has received the second impeachment resolution.
“Right now, our attorney is reviewing it and preparing the rules and regulations for a special election. Following that, it will be subject to PEC board review and a new date for a special election will be announced soon” Yamaguchi said.
Yamaguchi explained that “the first and second impeachment are separate matters. We prepared for the first impeachment resolution and set an election date but that was cancelled by the court order. Now, we have received a second resolution and it will go through the same process because by law we have to conduct a special election within 60 days.”
He further said, “That is the process until there is another order that comes to cancel the election from being conducted.”
Political Stakes and Expected Contest
While supporters of both the governor and the legislature continue to passionately defend their respective camps on social media, the second impeachment is expected to lead to a special gubernatorial election unless further legal action halts the process.
According to Ngardmau residents, Governor Jennifer Ngiraiwet and Terrence Miozawa—one of the original introducers of the impeachment resolution—are expected to face off in the special election if it proceeds.