By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
KOROR, Palau — Senator Stevenson Kuartei has lodged a formal complaint with Senate President Hokkons Baules, opposing Senator Rukebai Inabo’s letter to the Palau Election Commission (PEC).
Inabo’s letter, dated July 30, requested the PEC to review the candidacy of former President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. for the upcoming presidential election and to decline his nomination petition. The letter, written on the Senate’s Ways and Means & Financial Matters (WMFM) committee letterhead, included the names of committee members, including Kuartei, without their prior knowledge or approval.
“I strongly protest the inclusion of my name on this letter without my knowledge or approval,” Kuartei wrote in his August 2 letter to Baules. He emphasized that as a member of the WMFM committee, he had not been consulted about the letter.
In a Senate session on August 1, Inabo clarified that her request was not in support of any candidate but aimed to address a constitutional issue. However, Senator Mark Rudimch argued to “let the election commission do their job independently”.
Meanwhile, Senator Secilil Eldebechel defended the actions as within the rights of individual senators. Senator Umiich Sengebau sought to divert attention to address other national issues.
The incident has sparked varied reactions among senators and the public regarding the proper handling of the complaint by Senator Inabo.