General elections were held in Palau on 5 November 2024 to elect a President and the National Congress.[1][2] Incumbent President Surangel Whipps Jr. faced former president Tommy Remengesau Jr. in the election, and was reelected in a landslide.
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Presidential election | |||||||||||||||||
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Vice Presidential election | |||||||||||||||||
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Electoral system
editThe President of Palau is elected using the two-round system.[3]
The 13 members of the Senate are elected from a single nationwide constituency by block voting, with each voter having 13 votes to cast.[4] The 16 members of the House of Delegates are elected in single-member constituencies based on the states using first-past-the-post voting.[5]
Candidates
editFor President
editDeclared
edit| Candidate | Experience | Home state | Campaign | Ref. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date announced | |||||
(born 1968, age 56) |
President (since 2021) Other offices: Senator (2009–2016) |
 Ngatpang |
Palauan People First | [6] [7] [8] | |
| 11 February 2024 | |||||
(born 1956, age 68) |
President (2001–2009, 2013–2021) Other offices: Vice President (1993–2001) Minister of Administration (1993–2001) |
 Koror |
Together, we can make tomorrow Better | [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] | |
| 24 February 2024 | |||||
For Vice President
edit| Candidate | Experience | Home state | Campaign | Ref. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date announced | |||||
(born 1965, age 59) |
Vice President (since 2021) Other offices: Minister of Justice (since 2021) Minister of Justice (2021) Senator (2013–2021) |
Koror |
Palau Family First | [13] [14] [15] [16] | |
| 6 February 2024 | |||||
(born 1965, age 59) |
Vice President (2017–2021) Other offices: Minister of Justice (2017–2021) Senator (2009–2017) |
 Ngchesar |
Moving Forward Together | [17] [18] [19] [20] | |
| 27 May 2024 | |||||
Campaign
editCampaigning was marred by diplomatic and economic issues. Tommy Remengesau Jr criticized growing security relations with the United States under Whipps' presidency, which the latter has supported as a "deterrent". Remengesau also pledged to revoke a 15% tax on goods introduced by Whipps.[21]
Results
editPreliminary results appeared to show Surangel Whipps Jr. leading in the presidential race,[22] while Raynold Oilouch was leading as vice president.[23] Whipps formally claimed victory on 11 November, while Remengesau conceded defeat earlier.[24]
President
edit| Candidate | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| Surangel Whipps Jr. | 5,626 | 57.74 |
| Thomas Remengesau Jr. | 4,103 | 42.11 |
| Write-in | 15 | 0.15 |
| Total | 9,744 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | 9,744 | 99.16 |
| Invalid/blank votes | 83 | 0.84 |
| Total votes | 9,827 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 16,916 | 58.09 |
| Source: Palau Election Commission | ||
Vice president
edit| Candidate | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| Raynold Oilouch | 6,726 | 70.25 |
| Uduch Sengebau Senior | 2,829 | 29.55 |
| Write-in | 20 | 0.21 |
| Total | 9,575 | 100.00 |
| Valid votes | 9,575 | 97.44 |
| Invalid/blank votes | 252 | 2.56 |
| Total votes | 9,827 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 16,916 | 58.09 |
| Source: Palau Election Commission | ||
Senate
edit| Candidate | Votes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Kuartei | 5,224 | Elected |
| Mason Ngirchechebangel Whipps | 5,019 | Elected |
| Andrew Tabelual | 4,742 | Elected |
| Mark U. Rudimch | 4,621 | Elected |
| Brian Melairei | 4,088 | Elected |
| Kazuki L. Topps Sungino | 4,070 | Elected |
| Siegfried Bai Nakamura | 4,053 | Elected |
| Secilil Eldebechel | 4,048 | Elected |
| Ann Latii Pedro | 4,039 | Elected |
| TJ Imrur Remengesau | 4,003 | Elected |
| Salvador Sadoi Tellames | 3,929 | Elected |
| Lentcer Basilius | 3,884 | Elected |
| Rukebai Kikuo Skey Inabo | 3,787 | Elected |
| Lee T. Otobed | 3,704 | |
| Hokkons Baules | 3,657 | |
| Kerai Mariur | 3,593 | |
| Joann Risong Tarkong | 3,052 | |
| Umiich Sengebau | 3,009 | |
| Ann Kloulechad Singeo | 2,947 | |
| Blodak S. Quichocho | 2,852 | |
| Vierra Joel Toribiong | 2,784 | |
| Sandra Sumang Pierantozzi | 2,558 | |
| Jeff Ngirarsaol | 2,519 | |
| Dilmei L. Olkeriil | 1,773 | |
| Moses Y. Uludong | 1,665 | |
| Ismael Remoket | 309 | |
| Write-in | 695 | |
| Source: Palau Election Commission | ||
House of Delegates
edit| State | Candidate | Votes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aimeliik | Warren S. Umetaro | 271 | Elected |
| Write-in | 4 | ||
| Airai | Stephanie Ngirchoimei | 299 | Elected |
| Ralph F. Kanai | 129 | ||
| Johana Ngiruchelbad | 129 | ||
| Williander Ngotel | 85 | ||
| Reagan Sidoi | 85 | ||
| Write-in | 3 | ||
| Angaur | Mario S. Gulibert | 111 | Elected |
| Kennosuke A. Suzuky | 61 | ||
| Write-in | 2 | ||
| Hatohobei | Sebastian R. Marino | 36 | Elected |
| Write-in | 24 | ||
| Kayangel | Noah Kemesong | 137 | Elected |
| Wayland Dulei Keizi | 75 | ||
| Koror | Mengkur W. Rechelulk | 1,301 | Elected |
| Joseph "Joe" Aitaro | 1,180 | ||
| Write-in | 4 | ||
| Melekeok | Silverius Ouch Tellei | 216 | Elected |
| Frutoso "Toto" Tellei | 138 | ||
| Write-in | 1 | ||
| Ngaraard | Gibson Kanai | 280 | Elected |
| Wilbert Ngirakamerang | 209 | ||
| Write-in | 1 | ||
| Ngarchelong | Timothy R. Sinsak | 387 | Elected |
| Write-in | 65 | ||
| Ngardmau | Blesoch Aderkeroi | 84 | Elected |
| Fermin R. Meriang | 81 | ||
| Dodger Kumangai | 71 | ||
| Write-in | 1 | ||
| Ngaremlengui | Portia Franz Kesolei | 180 | Elected |
| Swenny Ongidobel | 124 | ||
| Ngatpang | Francesca Ruluked Otong | 133 | Elected |
| John Techitong | 105 | ||
| Ngchesar | Rebecca Sebalt Ngirmechaet | 137 | Elected |
| Sabino Anastacio | 133 | ||
| Ngiwal | Ellender Ngirameketii | 140 | Elected |
| Masasinge Arurang | 117 | ||
| Elmis Mesubed Bechab | 50 | ||
| Eugene "Usin" Termeteet | 40 | ||
| Peleliu | Nace N. Soalablai | 264 | Elected |
| Serelina Bota Ridep | 133 | ||
| Write-in | 2 | ||
| Sonsorol | Yutaka Gibbons Jr. | 118 | Elected |
| Write-in | 4 | ||
| Source: Palau Election Commission | |||
Aftermath
editTaiwanese president Lai Ching-te sent congratulations to Whipps and his vice president, Raynold Oilouch, upon their reelection.[23]
References
edit- ^ "Primary Election Decision Pending as Filing Deadline Approaches in Palau". Island Times. 2024-08-06. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
- ^ "Whipps v Remengesau: Brothers-in-law to run against each other in 2024 Palau elections". RNZ. 2024-08-26. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
- ^ Palau IFES
- ^ "Palau (Senate), Electoral system". Inter-Parliamentary Union.
- ^ "Palau (House of Delegates), Electoral system". Inter-Parliamentary Union.
- ^ "Surangel Whipps, Jr. Speech on Re - Election Campaign Launch (2024WARD) Sunday, February 11th, 2024 at Kokusai, Ngatpang". TMC Palau. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
- ^ Reklai, Leilani. ""Palauans First" Campaign Reboots: Whipps, Jr. seeks Second Term". Island Times. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
- ^ a b ""Palauans First" Campaign reboots: President Whipps seeks second term". Islands Business. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
- ^ "Former Palau President Tommy Remengesau announces candidacy, vows to lead Caring Government". Pacific Islands News Associations. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
- ^ "Tommy 2024 Our Grassroots Candidate". TMC Palau. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
- ^ "Tommy 2024 our Grassroots Candidate". TMC Palau. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
- ^ "Former President Remengesau Announces Candidacy, Vows to Lead "Caring Government"". Island Times. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
- ^ Reklai, Leilani. "Vice President Senior Vows to Run Again, Highlighting Family and Vulnerable Populations". Island Times. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
- ^ "I am Honored to announce my Candidacy for Re-Election". Uduch Sengebau Senior. Retrieved 2024-06-24.
- ^ "Re-Election Announcement". Uduch Sengebau Senior. Retrieved 2024-06-24.
- ^ "Re-Elect J. Uduch Sengebau Senior for Vice President 2024". Uduch Sengebau Senior. Retrieved 2024-06-24.
- ^ "Vice President Raynold Oilouch for 2024". Raynold Oilouch. 2024-05-28. Retrieved 2024-06-25.
- ^ Reklai, Leilani (2024-04-12). "Raynold "Arnold" Oilouch announces bid for Vice Presidency". Island Times. Retrieved 2024-06-25.
- ^ "Raynold "Arnold" Oilouch - Declaration for Vice President 2024". Diaz Broadcasting Palau. 2025-05-27. Retrieved 2024-06-25.
- ^ "Raynold "Arnold" Oilouch Declaration for Vice President 2024". TMC Palau. 2024-05-28. Retrieved 2024-06-28.
- ^ "Palau polls open as pro-US president faces election test". France 24. 2024-11-05. Retrieved 2024-11-05.
- ^ "Unofficial election results coming in for Guam, Palau, CNMI". RNZ. 2024-11-06. Retrieved 2024-11-06.
- ^ a b "Taiwan congratulates Palau President Whipps on reelection". Focus Taiwan. 2024-11-07. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
- ^ "Pro-US incumbent claims victory in Palau presidential vote". France 24. 2024-11-11. Retrieved 2024-11-11.