by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer
Polls will open at 7 AM local time on Tuesday for the elections in Palau.
Incumbent President Surangel Whipps Jr. is seeking re-election against former four-term President Tommy Remengesau Jr.
As of July 15, 2024, the Palau Election Commission reported that there are 16,627 registered voters.
In the previous general election in 2020, 10,204 votes were cast from a total of 16,754 registered voters.
Key issues during the campaigns included the rising cost of living and recent tax reforms, particularly the value-added tax.
In an editorial published in September, Palau’s national newspaper, Island Times, noted that “on November 5, two prominent political figures—who are also brothers-in-law—will compete against each other for the second time.”
Political analysts expect the election results may remain unclear for a week, as absentee ballots will play a crucial role in this closely contested race.
The candidates—one a charismatic leader and the other a well-known and wealthy businessman—are making strong appeals to voters both locally and abroad.
The editorial highlighted that both candidates have adopted similar campaign approaches, prioritizing personal interactions over large public gatherings or extensive media coverage.
This election coincides with the United States election.
Whipps Jr. mentioned in August that regardless of the US election outcome, “the relationship between Palau and the United States will stay strong.”
He added, “The difference now compared to 2010 is the understanding that we are partners who need to collaborate; they can’t just overlook us. The political climate has changed significantly since then.”
