Overview:
The Palau Supreme Court has rejected Ngardmau Gov. Jennifer Ngiraiwet’s emergency request to void a second impeachment attempt, ruling that she must file a separate lawsuit to challenge the September 16 action. The court said a new case would be fast-tracked.
By: L.N. Reklai
KOROR, Palau (Oct. 15, 2026) — The Palau Supreme Court has rejected an emergency request from Ngardmau Governor Jennifer Ngiraiwet to void a September 16, 2026, resolution by the Ngardmau Legislature (the Eleventh Kelulul Ngardmau) that attempted to impeach her.
In a ruling issued on October 13, 2026, Judge Peter Huffman explained that even though the two impeachment attempts are related, the lawsuit Governor Ngiraiwet originally filed only deals with the first attempt.
The court pointed out that under court rules, an emergency request or sworn statement isn’t enough on its own to add new claims to an existing case. Because her current lawsuit doesn’t officially cover the September 16 action, the judge could not rule on it under this case.
To challenge the second impeachment, Judge Huffman stated that Governor Ngiraiwet must start a brand-new lawsuit by filing a formal complaint about the second incident. If she files a new lawsuit, the court noted it would be put on a fast-track schedule.
Governor Ngiraiwet is represented by attorney J. Toribiong, and the Ngardmau Legislature is represented by attorney J. Kennedy.
