Incumbent Remengesau ahead in Palau primary

Incumbent President Tommy Remengesau currently leads the poll in the Palau primary presidential election. Results, however, remain unofficial as Palau Election Commission officials still are still awaiting several absentee ballots, according to Palau Consulate Office on Saipan.

Palau consul Eileen N. Kenty disclosed yesterday that all votes from within the country have already been counted after the election on Tuesday, Sept. 28, with results indicating Remengesau holding the lead, with Polycorp Basilius in second and Ben Roberto following.

Detailed information on the number of votes each candidate garnered were not available.

“This is still unofficial,” Kenty said. “It will not be certified until Tuesday [Oct. 5], which is the last day to receive absentee votes.”

Kenty said absentee ballots must be received by the election commission no later than seven days after the election to be considered valid.

She said about 280 absentee ballots were requested by Palauan voters on Saipan, but could not determine how many actually took part in the voting process. About 700 registered voters reside on Saipan.

Kenty said the top two finishers in the primary election would be included in the presidential race in the upcoming general elections, which would be held on Nov. 2.

Palauan voters residing on Saipan may submit requests for absentee ballots, and have until Oct. 25 to do so. Requests can be made at the Palau Consulate Office on the second floor of the Joeten Dandan Building.

Kenty, however, disclosed having a poll box for voters on Saipan is possible, but confirmation of that has yet to be given by the election commission.

“If we don’t get the poll box, then the voters must do it by absentee ballots,” she said.

Further, if the polling box is granted, the election commission has notified Kenty that registered voters will cast their vote on Oct. 30.

“If we’re going to do it here, then we’re going to find a bigger place where people can cast their votes,” Kenty said. “The election will also include not only the presidential race, but also amendments to our constitution.”

Meanwhile, Kenty disclosed that the election commission has indicated that voters who fail to cast votes in the general elections would be removed from the registered voters list.

“If that happens, the person will have to register again. The person has to go to Palau, and go through the process,” she said.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

Kenty also disclosed that the Palau Community Association on Saipan will host a celebration tomorrow, Oct. 2 in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Palau’s independence.

She said the celebration will be from 5pm to 10pm at the Minachom Atdao Pavilion in Susupe, and will include a ceremonial program, followed by dinner and live entertainment.

She said invitations have already been extended to the Governor’s Office and the Legislature.

“Previously, individuals or groups of people would go to the beach on their own and celebrate, but for the past two years, the celebration has been formal and conducted by the Palau Community Association,” she said.

Palau gained its independence on Oct. 1, 1994.

For more information, contact the Palau Consulate Office at 235-6804.