The question of whether Palau will hold a primary election remains unanswered as the deadline for filing nominating petitions for the offices of President, Vice-President, and the Olbiil Era Kelulau approaches today, August 7.
If there are three candidates for President, the commission will hold a primary election on September 24. The general election is scheduled for November 5.
The presumed third presidential candidate, Moses Uludong, is currently off-island. With time remaining for additional candidates to file, it will be clear by the end of today whether a primary election will be necessary this year.
The national budget allocated $514,872 to the Palau Election Commission for operations and election conduct, up from approximately $277,000 in 2022 and about $331,000 in 2023. This budget increase reflects the higher cost of conducting a national election with both proper and central ballot boxes for all 16 states simultaneously.
Many potential candidates are expected to file their nominating petitions at the last minute. (By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang)