An estimated 1,200 Palauan voters are registered in the CNMI but Eileen N. Kintol, Palau’s consul, said only 600 cast their votes in 2004.
Chin, who is running for president, said he and his running mate Seid are confident they will get the “overwhelming” votes of Palauans in the CNMI.
The other presidential tandems are Senate President Surangel Whipps S.-Palau president’s chief of staff Billy Kuarti; Sen. Joshua Koshiba-Peleliu Gov. Jackson Ngiraingas; and attorney Johnson Toribiong-Delegate Kerai Mariur.
Seid said he believes they secure an overwhelming number of votes in the CNMI because “we feel we have very strong solid base here on Saipan.”
Palauans can still cast absentee ballots until Sept 16 on Saipan.
Chin and Seid believe that the Whipps-Kuarti team is their strongest contender.
Chin admitted he has yet to get an endorsement from President Tommy Remengesau.
“I am hoping that he will support me, but it’s up to him if he wants to openly support me,” Chin said.
He admitted that it would be hard for the president to endorse him because of Remengesau’s family ties.
The sister of Remengesau’s wife is married to one of Whipps’ sons and the president’s chief of staff is running for vice president.
Openly supporting a presidential ticket might cost Remengesau some votes, Chin said.
The president, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term this year, is running for the Senate.
During their rally at the Minatchom Atdao Pavilion on Friday night, the Chin-Seid supporters lauded their candidates’ qualifications and experience.
A Palauan who retired as an air traffic controller on Saipan said Chin was an effective administrator when he was assigned at the Kwajalein Atoll of the Marshall Islands as a U.S. military officer.
”I know he can do the president’s job,” he said.
A board member of the Palauan Association on Saipan said Chin, who is also the justice minister, can represent Palau in the international community.
Fungoy Riumd, a Palauan artist, said he appreciates the performance and qualification of Chin and Seid.
Another Palauan said Chin has more experience compare to other presidential candidates.
“I believe he can uplift the economic activities in Palau,” he said.
