The four candidates and their running mates conducted last minute campaigning yesterday, as supporters and candidates themselves lined-up the street to seek support from voters.
The candidates also visited several states to pitch in their platforms in order to seek the Palauans support.This is the first time that the presidential candidates are running with their vice presidential choice in a single ticket.The presidential candidates are: Senate President Surangel Whipps and running mate presidential chief of staff Billy Kuartei, Lawyer and Palau Ambassador to Taiwan Johnson Toribiong with Delegate Kerai Mariur, Current Vice President Elias Camsek Chin and Senator Alan Seid; and Senator Joshua Koshiba and running mate Peleliu Governor Jackson Ngiraingas.The top two presidential candidates will have a face off in November general elections.Toribiong said that his team offers pragmatic and realistic solutions.“I want to thank the voters for their patient throughout the campaign, our platform were well- presented. I hope the voters vote based on issues,” he said.Sen. Joshua Koshiba for his part said that his team believes in good government and vowed to stop corruption.Koshiba said “Palau can never succeed to the future unless you take care of the past.”Chin said that he has the experience and the accomplishments to run the country.He added that he believes that the voters and smart and will choose the candidate who will also take care of the country’s future.Whipps, meanwhile said he is a candidate that every Palauan can trust.He said that he will ensure that the minimum wage is raised and ensure improvement of the private sector.There are over 14,000 registered voters for the primary today.Earlier The Palau Election Commission reminded the candidates that campaign signs and posters are not allowed within 500 feet from polling places.The commission added that radio or television campaigns are not allowed during the day of elections.The Koror State Public Law K7 131-2002 states that all candidates and political groups or associations must remove all campaign materials, including campaign signs, posters, billboards, flyers and any other campaign signs, posters, billboards, flyers and any other campaign postings from public view during election day.The law also states that it is also unlawful for any person or group to provide money, food, drinks, materials or services including transportation to a voting place for the purpose of influencing a person to vote in a particular manner.The commission added that selling , buying and consumption of alcohol is also prohibited during Election Day starting from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.Adalbert Eledui, Director of Koror State Conservation and Law Enforcement, said that anyone who violates the law is subject to a $50 fine for the first offense and a fine of $100 and imprisonment of one but not more than 90 days.The Palau Elections Commission meanwhile designated at least 15 polling places for each state.
