Sakuma said that the result of the mishap – 200 of Peleliu ballots not in Guam on time – resulted in immediate suspicious rumors. Moreover, the suspicions have tendencies to be elevated to allegations and beyond.
“Our candidates and committee members do not want the people to lose faith in the integrity of election,” Sakuma said. “We certainly do not intend to point fingers anywhere, and we most definitely not want fingers pointed our way.”In a phone interview with Greg Decherong, Vice-chairman of the Palau Election Commission Board (PEC), he admits “an honest mistake was committed” and that it was properly addressed.According to Decherong, during the packaging of the ballots that were sent to Guam, 200 Angaur ballots were placed in Peleliu enveloped instead of Peleliu ballots.“This was an oversight on our part,” he said. “It was not done intentionally or maliciously.”Decherong further added that he had personally made all the arrangements for reprinting 200 Peleliu ballots on Guam; and he had contacted relevant people in Palau – the Attorney General, other members of the PEC and lawyers in Palau and on Guam – and received approval for the reprinting of the Peleliu ballots.It took time for the Peleliu Ballots to be reprinted and Peleliu voters time at the polls was delayed,” Decherong said. “However, appropriate and proper procedural arrangements were made and an hour was extended to Peleliu voters to cast their votes after all the other polls were closed.”The Palau elections on Guam last Saturday began officially started at 9:00 a.m. and ended at 9:00 p.m. Due to the delay of the Peleliu ballots, Peleliu voters were accorded an hour to cast their votes after all of the other polls closed.Decherong further added that he commends and appreciates the support of the Guam Election Board during Palau’s election on Guam.“I am very grateful for the people on Guam, especially the members of the Guam Election Board, for their kind support and assistance,” Decherong said. “Further, I apologize, on behalf of the PEC, for any and all the inconveniences that our oversight had caused.”
