By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Koror—Unofficial and preliminary results of Palau’s election on Tuesday showed President Surangel Whipps Jr. leading the presidential with 58 percent (3,161) of votes cast, beating former president Tommy E. Remengesau Jr., who earned 41 percent (2,262).
For vice president, Raynold "Arnold" Oilouch leads with 70 percent (3,801) votes and J. Uduch Sengebau-Senior with 28 percent (1,507).
According to the Island Times’ report, the partial results were based on ballots tallied from Central, Koror and Airai. Remaining to be tallied today are votes from Proper( Babeladaob states, except Airai) and outlying states(Peleliu, Angaur, Kayangel, Sonsorol, & Hatohobei).
Island Times reported that absentee votes will be tabulated after seven days.
A total of 2,913 absentee ballots were sent out. Palau has 16,627 registered voters as of July 15, 2024. Total number of votes canvassed so far is 5,423.
Political observers noted that this year’s presidential election, which took place as the country marked its 30th year of independence, was one of the most distinctive in recent history.
Whipps and Remengesau, who happen to be brothers-in-law, faced off for the second time.
In their first face-off in 2016, Remengesau narrowly defeated Whipps by just 264 votes (51.2 percent), with strong support from overseas voters expanding a narrow margin from home.
Remengesau thanked his supporters and acknowledged his campaign's defeat.
"We were up against all odds, incumbency and unlimited resources, but we did raise legitimate and real issues that we should be proud of and we hope the next government will see the need to address some of them," he said in a statement.
"(These) issues that are critical to our people and the future of this island nation. In the coming days, let’s plan for our get-together to thank everyone and keep the spirit alive! I love you all and extremely proud of all you have done to make the grassroots movement a success and a united force," he added.…
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