Overview:
At just 30, Melvira Kyarii Kazuma is rewriting Ngchesar State politics. Elected as one of the legislature’s youngest representatives, Kazuma vows to break through stagnation, push for real change, and empower her community. “Our community has tremendous potential, but without change, we cannot evolve,” she says, setting the tone for a new era of leadership.
By: Laurel Marewibuel
Koror, Palau (December 8, 2025)— At just 30 years old, Melvira Kyarii Kazuma has shattered expectations by winning a seat in the Ngchesar State legislature, becoming one of its youngest representatives ever. Her election signals a new chapter of change and fresh ideas for a community eager to move beyond political stagnation.
Kazuma campaigned on a simple, powerful message: “Your Choice, Our Future.” She ran to disrupt the entrenched cycle of leadership and to give the people of Ngchesar a real alternative — not to merely fill a seat but to catalyze genuine progress. “For too long, our leadership has remained static, resistant to new ideas,” Kazuma said. “Our community has tremendous potential, but without change, we cannot evolve.”
Despite her confidence, Kazuma admits that stepping into the parliamentary system is both exciting and daunting. “I thought I was prepared, but you can never truly know what to expect. Especially as the youngest and a female legislator in this environment, it’s challenging but also rewarding.”
Kazuma’s top priorities reflect her campaign platform centered on economic development, fiscal responsibility, and community empowerment. With the recent ratification of the Ngchesar master plan, she plans to start her term by pushing for a comprehensive financial audit to ensure government spending aligns with revenues and to uncover new opportunities for growth.
Additionally, she aims to audit all existing legislation to understand what laws and policies could be improved or updated. “Implementing the master plan is vital,” she said. “It’s a great document, but the real work lies in putting those plans into action.”
As a young woman in leadership, Kazuma embraces her role as a trailblazer for other youth and women in Palau. Although becoming a role model was not her original intention, she recognizes the importance of setting an example. “I hope my journey encourages others—young men and women—to explore politics and serve their communities.”
Looking ahead, Kazuma aspires to build a legacy of resilience and proactive leadership. “I want to leave behind a community that says ‘yes, we can’ — a legacy of moving forward despite challenges, not giving up at the first obstacle,” she explained.
Her vision for Ngchesar is one of an adaptive, action-oriented government that harnesses opportunity and pushes for continuous improvement. “In years to come, I want to be proud that my contribution helped create a more active, engaged, and hopeful community.”
Ngchesar State saw a major shift in its electoral history in the most recent general election, choosing six new legislators and returning three incumbents. Of the nine elected, three were women — M. Kyarii Kazuma, Hasinta Tabelual and Isikl Benjamin. The results reflect a growing trend of women seeking and winning elected office, seen nationally in 2024 when four women were elected to the House of Delegates. That momentum continued in the Koror State general election this November, which, for the first time, resulted in five women winning seats in the state legislature.
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