By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
KOROR, Palau — Koror State is preparing for its 13th general election this November, with former gubernatorial candidate Alan T. Marbou officially declaring his candidacy in a televised announcement on Wednesday.
Marbou is set to face off once again against incumbent Governor Eyos Rudimch, who has already confirmed his re-election bid. Marbou announced his candidacy on the new moon, symbolically launching his campaign on what he called a day of new beginnings.
Rudimch, the current leader of Palau’s most populous state and largest state government, has been actively holding town hall meetings throughout Koror to report on his accomplishments during his tenure.
In the 2021 election, Marbou and Rudimch were the top vote-getters among five gubernatorial candidates, advancing from the primary to the general election. Rudimch won with 1,854 votes, defeating Marbou, who garnered 1,631 votes.
This year’s general election is scheduled for November 11, while a primary election will be held on September 23 if more than two candidates file to run for governor. The deadline to submit nominating petitions for governor is August 13.
The final day for voter registration to be eligible for the primary is Thursday, July 25. Meanwhile, the deadline for legislative candidate petitions and voter registration for the general election is October 10.
