Ngiwal, Palau – The unofficial results for the Ngiwal State 11th General Election, held on July 09, 202, have been released, revealing a low voter turnout that could have significant implications for future elections and perhaps the 2024 National General Elections.
LOW VOTER TURNOUT
Out of 727 registered voters in Ngiwal State, only 282 participated in the election, marking a turnout of approximately 38.78%. This low level of engagement raises concerns about the election results and the overall health of local democracy.
KEY RES ULTS AND AMENDMENTS
Despite the low turnout, important decisions were made regarding proposed amendments and key office positions.
KAK Resolution No. 20-6R-16 aimed to amend Article VIII, Section 2(b).
Klsir a rechedal a Kelulul a Kiuluul el ERU EL RAK el mo EUA EL RAK.
The voting outcomes were:
- Yes: 182
- No: 129
- Blank: 17
- Void: 2
- Reject 0
KAK Resolution No.20-6R-17 for Article XII, Section 2.
Kengei e ra kesengil e ng okolem el basent e ra mo sengkyo e ra ngi di el
omeldechel tial uchetmel a llach e ra beluu e ra Ngiwal.
Garnered a more favorable response:
- Yes: 208
- No: 95
- Blank: 24
- Void: 2
- Reject: 0
Office of the Governor
Cisco Melaitau emerged as the frontrunner for the Office of the Governor, securing 259 votes.
- Cisco Melaitau: 259 votes
- Write-Ins: 24 votes
- Blank: 46 votes
- Void: 1 vote
- Reject: 0
Legislature At-Large
The candidates for the Legislature At-Large seats received the following votes:
- Loraine Kloulubak: 236 votes
- Hideki Takataro: 215
- Russel Russ Masayos: 241
- Manasseh “Nash” Temol: 199
- Bolton “Bant” Tengoll: 234
- Ilabsis Ngirakesau: 224
In addition, there were a notable amount of write-in votes totaling 276, indicating a preference for an alternative leadership:
- Write-In Totals: 276 votes, including:
- Marina I. Udui: 93 votes
- Rachel Lucas: 77 votes
- Vito Timarong: 82 votes
- Other write-ins combined for 24 votes
Implications for Future Elections
The low voter turnout in Ngiwal State’s recent general election could have significant repercussions for future elections and governance. This limited participation might indicate voter apathy or dissatisfaction with the current political climate, posing challenges for newly elected officials in gaining broad-based support for their initiatives.
Structural issues such as outmigration, where residents leave for better opportunities, and voter fatigue, stemming from frequent elections or political disillusionment, may have contributed to the low turnout. This scenario could prompt leaders to engage more effectively with the community to boost participation in future elections. Potential strategies to address outmigration and voter fatigue might include community outreach programs, better communication of election issues, and initiatives to make voting more accessible and engaging.
As unofficial results await confirmation, “official results will be available after they are certified by the board, which will take place within 15 days from the date of the election.” – Palau Election Commission