Ngardmau voters head to the polls today, Jan. 8, 2025, for a second runoff election to decide the state’s representative to the House of Delegates in Palau’s national congress.

Polling stations are set up at two locations: Ngardmau Central, located at the Palau Election Commission Office in Koror, and Ngardmau Proper, situated in Ngardmau State.

The two candidates, Fermin Meriang and Blesoch Adelkeroi, tied during the Nov. 5, 2024, general election, each receiving 101 votes. A first runoff held in December also ended in a tie, with both candidates earning 135 votes. The election process was temporarily stalled due to the lack of legal clarity on how to proceed in the event of repeated ties.

To resolve the issue, the national congress amended the law, and President Surangel Whipps Jr. signed the changes into law on Dec. 26, 2024. The new law mandates that runoff elections continue until one candidate secures a majority.

While today’s runoff aims to break the tie, uncertainties remain. Procedures and timing may delay seating Ngardmau’s representative in the 12th Olbiil Era Kelulau by the Jan. 16 inauguration. This delay could result from the time required to process absentee ballots and certify the winning candidate.

Regardless of the timing, Ngardmau State is expected to have official representation in the new congress. (By: L.N. Reklai)