Ngeremlengui, Palau – Incumbent Governor Mary Frances Ilolang Remengesau-Vogt maintained a slim lead in the Ngeremlengui State gubernatorial race, according to unofficial results from the 11th General Election.
Vogt garnered 142 votes, followed closely by former governor Wilson Ongos with 110. This marks the second consecutive election where the two face off, with Vogt previously winning by a 36-vote margin in 2019.
Jennifer Sugiyama and James Ngirbau Maidesil trailed with 73 and 2 votes, respectively.
The at-large seats also saw tight margins, with Franz Ngiltii (236 votes) leading the pack, followed by Davis Tamtereng (215) and Hilton Hideos (210). Lillian Marcil, Bitlaol Wasisang, and Richie Smaserui secured 181, 156, and 153 votes respectively. The narrow gap between Smaserui and Jimmy Franz (148 votes) leaves the 6th position hanging in the balance until absentee ballots are counted.
Notably, representatives for all four hamlets – Ngerutchei, Imeong, Ngermetengel, and Ngchemesed – ran unopposed and will be confirmed upon official results.
Meanwhile, other state elections continue to unfold. Melekeok State prepares for its 11th General Election next Tuesday, while Aimeliik State will witness the swearing-in ceremony for its 13th government officials on the same day.