By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

The seat that was left vacant by the late Senate President Johnny Reklai is now open for any interested but qualified candidates.
On Wednesday March 14, the Senate unanimously adopted in a special session a resolution that declared a vacancy in the OEK’s upper chamber due to the tragic death of one of the nation’s most respected political leaders.
Reklai passed away on Sunday March 11, reportedly while spear fishing near Ngerechur Island southwest of Ngarchelong State.
Because of this, the Senate also adopted a resolution calling for a special election to fill the vacancy.
Reklai belonged to the five-member majority bloc in the nine-member Senate along with Vice President Mlib Tmetuchl, Floor Leader Alan Seid, Alfonso Diaz and Joshua Koshiba.
Reklai and Tmetuchl were installed Senate president and vice president, respectively, during a re-organization move that took place on May 3, 2005 ousting Surangel Whipps and Yukiwo Dengokl.
Whipps, who was absent during that swift change of power, and Dengokl became part of the minority bloc that also included Caleb Otto and Santy Asanuma.
A statement was released to the media by the Senate Public information Office on Wednesday morning following the adoption of Senate Resolution 7-110 explaining that "Art. 9, Sec. 7 of the Palau Constitution requires a special election be held to fill a vacancy in the Olbiil Era Kelulau if more than 180 days remain in the un-expired term."
The Senate set the special nationwide election on May 9, 2007.
The Senate PIO said that all individuals interested in declaring their candidacy must file a petition with the Palau Election Commission not less than 15 days prior to the special election.
For more information on eligibility to run for office in the Olbiil Era Kelulau, visit the Senate website at http://senate.palauoek.net/history.asp.
The Senate PIO said that during the session, a
Senate Joint Resolution 7-66 was also adopted expressing condolences to the family of the late veteran lawmaker Reklai.
A State Funeral will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on March 23 at the Palau National Capitol in Melekeok State.