Palauan voters in the NMI cast votes today

Palauan residents on Saipan will troop to the polls today as they voice their choice for candidates running for various offices, including the presidency, in this year’s general election.

About 600 of the 12,922 registered Palau voters reside in the Commonwealth, and have between 7am to 9pm to cast their votes at the Marianas High School Building J area.

Yesterday’s scene around the area already showed signs of preparations for today’s event, with several supporters already setting up tents at the Oleai Sports Complex parking lot, as well as along Kilili Beach.

Supporters, however, may not conduct endorsement activities within 500 feet of the polling place, according to Palau Consul Eileen Kintol.

Voters are urged to enter the voting premises through the school’s northern gate, located between the school and the Francisco Palacios Baseball Field. The school’s main entrance will not be accessible.

Upon completion of the election, the poll box would be taken to Palau, where all votes will be counted after the Nov. 2 election.

The election follows the primary presidential election, which featured incumbent President Tommy Remengesau and Polycorp Basilius garnering enough votes to advance to the general elections.

Ballots will also include other seats as well as amendments to the Palau Constitution.

Aside from Saipan, Guam and Honolulu are the only other areas granted a poll box by the Palau Election Commission. Other voters may cast their votes through absentee ballots.

Staff of the election commission arrived earlier in the week to address any questions regarding the election. They are scheduled to return to Palau shortly after the election, taking with them the poll box.

Also, a specially produced album dedicated to all candidates in the upcoming Palau general election, Palau residents living overseas, and the 10th Palau Independence Day will be on sale during the election.

The album features 17 “Palauan oldies” songs that were recorded during the celebration of Palau’s 10th Independence Day. It features musicians Sheldon as vocalists, Berly as keyboardist, and Albino as guitarist.

The album, entitled Palau Whoopee Live Music 2004—Flashback Ditties, will be sold at $10 apiece. Only 500 copies were made.