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Palauans cast their vote for president
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Posted on Oct 31 2004
Registered Palauan voters on Saipan exercised their right to vote for their island nation’s general election Saturday.
As of press time, a little over 400 individuals took their trust and support to the poll at the Marianas High School Building J. The number, however, is expected to increase as voters were still casting votes until 9pm.
About 600 of the 12,922 registered Palau voters reside in the Commonwealth.
According to Presley Etibelc, Palau election commissioner, six poll boxes were brought to Saipan for the election. Shortly after the poll closed, the boxes were secured under the custody of the Department of Public Safety, before being taken back to Palau yesterday afternoon.
The election on Palau will be held on Nov. 2, after which all votes, including ballots filled on Saipan, will be counted.
Etibelc was accompanied by four other Palau Election Commission staff, and was also assisted by 10 volunteers residing on Saipan.
More than 500 feet away from the polling place, supporters of various candidates stood alongside Beach Road, Susupe, promoting their respective candidates.
Aside from Saipan, only Honolulu and Guam were granted poll boxes for the election.
Etibelc said the Palau congress only appropriated funds to conduct elections at the three locations.
The election follows a primary presidential election, which featured incumbent President Tommy Remengesau and presidential candidate Polycorp Basilius garnering enough votes to advance to the general elections.
Ballots include the presidential race, vice presidential race, other office seats, as well as amendments to the Palau Constitution. (Shan Seman)
