Partial and unofficial results obtained from the Palau Election Commission showed that Chin had 2,484 votes or 1,000 more than his nearest rival, businessman Phillip Reklai, who got 1,432 votes.
Following behind them were Compact Review chief Joshua Koshiba, 1,381 votes; Foreign Investment Board Chairman John Skebong, 676; former Sen. Caleb Otto, 202; former Speaker Mario Gulibert, 114; and attorney Victorio Uherbelau, 102 votes.
Twenty-four ballots had been voided, six were blanks and 9 were write-ins.
Santos Borja, chairman of the board of election canvassers, said the latest tally represented votes from three states: Angaur, Peleliu and Ngaraard.
“We cannot yet determine who the winner of this election is. We still have to count the votes from the 13 other states plus the absentee votes,” he added.
Palau has more than 15,000 registered voters. The exact turnout for the special Senate election has not been determined.
“By Wednesday morning the winner will be known and declared,” Borja said.
