By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
KOROR, Palau — Ngaraard State may be heading into its general election without a named candidate for governor, as no nominating petitions were filed by the July 1 deadline, the Palau Election Commission (PEC) confirmed.
The unexpected development means any individual seeking the governorship must now pursue election through a write-in campaign — a rare occurrence in Palau’s state-level politics.
The 2025 Ngaraard State Primary Election, initially scheduled for August 29, has been canceled, as the law requires a primary only when more than two candidates file for the office. With no official candidates, the state moves directly to its general election, which is set for November 13, in accordance with Ngaraard State Public Law NSPL 5-20/10-9, which mandates general elections be held on the second Thursday of November.
The deadline to file nominating petitions for legislative candidates remains October 20 — 25 days before the election — and the last day to register to vote is October 29, or 15 days before the election.
Ngchesar State will also hold its general election this year on November 8, as mandated by Ngchesar State Public Law No. 89-108. Nominating petitions for Ngchesar candidates are due October 29, with voter registration closing on November 7. Ngchesar operates under a parliamentary system in which voters elect council members who then select a governor from among themselves.
Koror State is also scheduled to hold its elections later this year, although the PEC said the specific filing deadlines and dates for the election have yet to be finalized. Those are expected to be announced by the end of the week.
The PEC has not yet indicated whether special measures may be considered for Ngaraard if no viable write-in candidates emerge by election day.