Calls Senate action “reckless and divisive”
By: L.N. Reklai
(Palau) HOD Speaker Sabino Anastacio in a letter to Senate President Camsek E. Chin, strongly expresses his disappointment over Senate Resolution 9-253, which he says deliberately embarrasses the Republic internationally.
[restrict]
The Senate Resolution 9-253, requests the United Nations or other international organizations to monitor the November general election of the Republic of Palau.
Speaker states that the resolution cites “troubling irregularities” without any evidence to substantiate the claims and makes “doomsday” predictions that the “foundation of our democracy” is at risk.
Furthermore, Speaker asserts that the resolution does not provide one specific example of a claim or “procedural defects with election process” to support its dire predictions.
“To reach such a conclusion, the Senate ignores the peaceful actions of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government in formulating laws concerning our election, reviewing election challenges, appealing adverse decisions and resolving disputes,” protests Speaker Anastacio of the Senate resolution.
He further added that the Senate resolution carelessly groups Palau with unstable countries such as Afganistan, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Irag, nations that have experienced civil wars in the last decade.
The resolution disregards the economic and international relations efforts that Palau has gained over the years in pursuit of its own political gains, accused Anastacio.
“I strongly urge the Senate to recall Senate Resolution 9-253. Our Republic is secure and capable of ensuring a fair and free election process, just as we have been doing for decades,” states Speaker Anastacio in his letter. [/restrict]