Overview:
Unofficial results from Airai State’s 10th General Election show Norman H. Ngiratecheboet leading the race for governor, while nine candidates emerged as top vote-getters for the Legislature at Large. With absentee ballots still outstanding and a March 9 deadline set by the Palau Election Commission, how might final numbers shift — and what do these results signal for Airai’s political direction?
By: Summer Kennard
Unofficial results from the Airai State 10th General Election show Norman H. Ngiratecheboet leading the race for governor and nine candidates emerging as top vote-getters for the Legislature at Large.
In the race for governor, Norman H. Ngiratecheboet received 470 votes, defeating Collins Takeo, who garnered 321 votes. There were three write-in votes cast. A total of 794 votes out of 1,608 registered voters were recorded in the gubernatorial contest.
Poll watchers and election officials monitor the recent Airai State General Election on March 1, 2026.
Voters were instructed to select nine candidates for the Legislature at Large. Based on unofficial results, the top nine vote-getters are:
- LeoBen Teriong – 551 votes
- Ralph Kanai – 536 votes
- Helena Rois Yoichi Arurang – 527 votes
- O’Dear C. Yobech – 509 votes
- Reagan Sidoi – 471 votes
- Kiruu Ngirmekur Kanai – 463 votes
- McMichael Mutok Jr. – 440 votes
- Sherman Daniel – 424 votes
- Herman Alfonso – 401 votes
Other candidates included Lekelong Secharraimul with 399 votes, Williander “Wandei” Ngotel with 372 votes and Dorcas Ngiruchelbad with 301 votes.
Ngetkib Hamlet
Bausoch Giramur received 129 votes, with three write-ins. A total of 132 votes were cast.
Ngerusar Hamlet
Kimberly Elarionoff led with 93 votes, followed by Dennis Renguul with 67 votes. A total of 160 votes were cast. No write-ins were recorded.
Poll watchers from different hamlets of Airai with Palau Election Commission monitoring the Airai State General Election.
Ngeruluobel Hamlet
Harrison Sangiei Tell received 44 votes, Lora Rengiil 17 votes and Clive Tellei 14 votes. A total of 75 votes were cast, with no write-ins.
Oikull Hamlet
Richard R. Rechirei received 46 votes, while Hana Merei received 22 votes. One write-in vote was recorded. A total of 69 votes were cast.
Ordomel Hamlet
C. Torual Gibbons received 208 votes, with 13 write-ins recorded. A total of 221 votes were cast.
Ngchesechang
Lalie “Lals” Ikluk received 87 votes, with two write-ins recorded. A total of 89 votes were cast.
Election Commission volunteers and candidate pollwatchers happily monitoring the 10th Airai General Election. March 1, 2026.
Election officials reported 25 walk-in voters and 20 confined absentee voters. A total of 143 absentee ballots were sent out. As of the initial unofficial count, no mailed absentee ballots had been received. According to the Palau Election Commission, absentee ballots will be accepted up to seven days after Election Day, with a deadline of March 9, 2026.
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