By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

The Election Commission has officially declared yesterday Hokkons Baules as winner of the May 9 special election for the vacant seat left by the late Senate President Johnny Reklai.
However, the Public Information Office said that the Senate has not scheduled yet for Baules’ swearing-in ceremony.
The Senate will hold its next session tomorrow.
Baules took an overwhelming lead over his three other aspirants garnering a total of 2,408 votes out of the 5,984 who cast their votes. The total number of registered voters in Palau is 10,696.
Paul Ueki came second with 1,488 votes, Sandra Pierantozzi third with 1,446 and Imelda Nakamura fourth with 600.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission said that the court has still to decide on the runoff election for Ngatpang State.
It was also on May 9 that a second election for the Governor of Ngatpang State was held following a failure of election for the same position during the first exercise that was held on March 29.
Results showed that Francesca Otong garnered 112 votes on May 9, which is more than the total votes of 91 that she got during the first one on March 29.
However, that was still short by 12 votes for the required 124 total votes out of the 246 total registered voters for her to qualify.
The total number of those who cast their votes on Wednesday was 183 with two spoiled votes.
The other returning aspirant, Demei Otobe got 69, which is more than four votes compared to the votes he got during the first election.