Overview:
With just days left before Koror State’s general election, campaign energy is surging across the island as candidates and supporters make their final push. Young voters are voicing both optimism and uncertainty about the outcome, while absentee ballots could play a key role in shaping the results.
By: Laurel Marewibuel & L.N. Reklai
KOROR, Palau — With just four days left before Koror State’s general election, candidates and their supporters are stepping up efforts to reach voters, lining roadsides each morning and afternoon with signs, chants, and calls to action as the race heads into its final stretch.
Young voters have emerged as an influential voice in the campaign, expressing a mix of optimism, uncertainty, and determination to see progress in their communities. A 20-year-old college student described the governor’s race as “a bit of a hit or miss,” but credited incumbent Governor Eyos Rudimch for connecting with younger voters through programs like the DMP initiative.
“His consistent involvement with youth initiatives demonstrates his commitment to community development, which makes this election especially interesting to watch,” the student said, noting that ongoing recreational projects reflect Eyos’s focus on youth and that re-election could bring more opportunities.
A newly registered voter echoed that sentiment, saying Rudimch deserved more time to serve. “I see the work he has done, and he has only just started, so we should give him the chance to truly serve,” she said. “I believe he can do it.”
However, not all young voters share the same view. Another female voter said she is backing candidate Alan Marbou, emphasizing that this election goes beyond personalities and impacts “families, jobs, and the islands.”
“This election matters because people want real solutions,” she said, citing concerns about living costs, housing, tourism recovery, and safety. “Alan listens patiently, respects people’s concerns, and is honest about what he can and can’t do while offering practical alternatives. That kind of humility and leadership gives me confidence he can unite people and get things done.”
She urged voters to study each candidate’s plans carefully before casting their ballots, adding, “But I truly think Alan will win.”
While the gubernatorial race has captured most public attention, legislative contests are equally competitive. Most of Koror’s hamlet seats are being contested by more than two candidates, except for Iyebukl, Idid, Ikelau, and Ngerkebesang, where candidates are running unopposed. Ten candidates are also vying for five at-large seats in the Koror State Legislature.
With 5,868 registered voters—the highest of any state—Koror’s absentee ballots could play a decisive role. The Palau Election Commission reported that as of Nov. 4, a total of 271 absentee ballots had been mailed, including 50 to Meyuns, 30 to Ngerchemai, and smaller numbers to other hamlets such as Ngermid, Ngerkesoaol, Idid, and Medalaii. Ballots must be received by Election Day, Nov. 11, to be counted.
In related election news, two other states—Ngaraard and Ngchesar—are also preparing for general elections this month. Ngaraard’s election is set for Nov. 13, where four write-in candidates are competing for the governor’s seat after missing the filing deadline. Ngchesar’s election will be held on Nov. 28 to fill seats in its legislature, the only parliamentary-style state government in Palau where the governor is chosen from among elected legislators and traditional chiefs.
As the campaign period winds down, the mix of local enthusiasm, youth engagement, and absentee ballots is setting the stage for what could be one of Koror’s most closely watched elections in years.
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