By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

Joshua Koshiba was installed as the new Senate President of the 7th Olbiil Era Kelulau after a simple majority vote, 4-3, of a Resolution replacing his close ally, the late Johnny Reklai, during a special session on Tuesday March 27.
Koshiba has already held the post several times being Palau’s longest serving lawmaker on record and the country’s longest serving elected official, according the Senate Public Information Office.
Only seven Senators of the nine-member body were present with Vice President Mlib Tmetuchl, who presided the session in an acting capacity, Alfonso Diaz, Floor Leader Alan Seid, who introduced the Resolution, and Koshiba voted Yes.
Santy Asanuma, Surangel Whipps Sr. and Yokiwo P. Dengokl voted No.
Sen. Caleb Otto was in Melbourne, Australia with the national swimming team members who are representing the country in the FINA World Championships.
His absence prevented what could be a standoff because he is a member of the minority bloc composed of Asanuma, Whipps, Dengokl and Otto.
The late Senate President Reklai belonged to the majority bloc along with Tmetuchl, Seid, Diaz and Koshiba, who had the honor to deliver the eulogy during last Saturday’s state funeral.
A special election that would fill the vacant Senate seat left by Reklai, who died March 11 after a spear fishing accident, is scheduled on May 9.
As of presstime yesterday, there had been no aspirants who have submitted their candidacies yet to the Election Commission. The remaining term before the next senatorial election in November 2008 is one year and eight months.
Before the vote, Dengokl and Asanuma tried to delay the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 7-111 by questioning on the proper definition of a quorum, contending that it should be in its entirety and not just the Senators who were present.
Tmetuchl has called for a recess after several arguments and after the decision was made. During the recess, Koshiba and Asanuma had a heated argument before special guests at the gallery.
Among those in the gallery were four members of the House of Delegates, Joel Toribiong, Noah Secharraimul, Kerai Mariur and Florencio Yamada, who decided to leave amidst the warm atmosphere at the Senate chamber.
The other special guests were members of the Palau High School Self-Study Accreditation Committee and PHS faculty, parents and students.
Koshiba, who was bestowed the title of "Dean of the Senate" in 2005, was sworn in by Land Court Senior Judge Court J. Uduch S. Senior.
In his first address, Koshiba affirmed his commitment to continue the good example that his predecessor had exemplified.
A press statement from the Senate PIO noted that Seid congratulated the new Senate President saying that a strong leadership would enable the Congress to excel in its role to ensure checks and balances of the Constitutional process and that democracy can prevail.
The statement also said that Tmetuchl warmly welcomed the new Senate President, commenting that a strong leadership will ensure a strong house.