KOROR, Palau – O’Dear C. Yobech has secured a decisive victory in the Airai State Special Election for the Legislature At-Large seat, according to unofficial results released on January 28, 2025
Yobech received 209 votes, significantly outpacing write-in candidates, whose combined total amounted to just 15 votes. The leading write-in candidate, Solomon Marino, received four votes, Velma B. Obak received 3 votes while others, including Avery Amos and Emera Syozitaro, who each garnered 2 votes. Two ballots were left blank, and no votes were declared void or rejected.
Low Voter Turnout Marks Special Election
The election saw a total of 226 votes cast out of 1,664 registered voters, reflecting a low voter turnout of 13.6%. The turnout varied across hamlets, with Ngchesechang, Oikull, Ngeruluobel, Ngetkib and Ked contributing a combined total vote count of 114, while Ordomel and Ngerusar had a total vote count of 112.
Yobech was the only official candidate. The presence of multiple write-in votes but no significant challenger further underscores the limited contest in this election.
Looking Ahead
Yobech will fill the legislative seat in the 9th Olbiil Era Ngerchumelbai, ensuring continued representation for Airai State.
The Palau Election Commission is expected to confirm the results withing 7 days, finalizing the results. By: Eustoria Marie Borja