Moses Uludong, a media personality and former politician, has announced his candidacy for the presidency of Palau, challenging current contenders President Surangel Whipps Jr. and former President Tommy Remengesau Jr.
Uludong, running under the slogan, “Is it right, is it true, Is it good for the people? A tekoi el doruul: Ng melmalt, Ng klemerang, Ng ungil ra rechad?
Island Times reports his nominating petition is still being circulated and will be officially submitted to the Palau Election Commission before the 07 August deadline.
When asked why he is running for president, Uludong stated, “I am running to correct the wrongdoings being done by this government and to preserve the essence of being Palauan, which is being lost among the youth and leaders.”
He added, “Although my family hesitated, I have to run because looking at what’s happening in our country, ng kmal diak a iietel a medak er ngii.”
In an interview, Uludong outlined his major plans, including restoring the rule of law in Palau, repealing the Palau Goods and Services Tax (PGST) on essential items like food, water, and medicine, and addressing land issues.
He has listed 18 policies he plans to champion, such as reorganising the government, removing the current director of the Bureau of Public Safety, legaliSing cannabis, enacting a cost-of-living allowance for those earning less than US$20,000, and combining social security and pension benefits into the national budget.
With Uludong now the third candidate to announce his bid for the presidency, the Palau Election Commission may be prompted to conduct a primary election. According to the commission’s website, a primary election, if necessary, will take place on 24 September.
Meanwhile, with less than four months until the general election, four newcomers are entering the race for the Senate.
Vierra Toribiong, Ann Singeo, Siegfried Nakamura, Joann Risong Tarkong, and Brian Melairei are now campaigning for seats in the Senate, joining the current 13 senators who are all expected to run for re-election.
To date, no candidate for the Senate has filed their official nominating petition, according to the Palau Election Commission (PEC). Information on PEC’s website indicates that the last day to file nominating petitions for all candidates is 07 August.
The deadline for registering to vote in the general election is 06 September.
In the event of a primary election, the last day to register to vote will be 26 July. Absentee ballots will be available before the request deadline of 29 October, and the last day to receive them is set for 12 November.
Four Senate candidates have publicly declared their candidacy on radio talk shows, and two have declared on TV. The campaign season continues, with more candidates expected to come forward.
