Chin-Seid rally draws 300 Palauans on Saipan

Republic of Palau Vice President Elias Camsek Chin and Senate Floor Leader Alan R. Seid, who are running for President and Vice President in that country’s upcoming polls, met the Palauan community on Saipan as part of their campaign trail across Micronesia.

The Chin-Seid rally at the Minatchom Atdao in Susupe last Friday night drew over 300 Palauans who are living on Saipan.

That number is based on the estimate given by the tandem’s head of campaign on Saipan, Nariang Sikyang.

According to the latest available census, there are some 1,000 Palauans in the CNMI. The voting population is around 600, which is a significant portion of the ever-critical absentee ballots in any elections in the tiny republic.

Chin and Seid, along with their wives and supporters that included two governors, left Saipan yesterday, Sept. 6, for Guam, where they will also hold another rally.

They will be participating in a debate with other candidates tonight, Sept. 7.

There are four aspirants for both president and vice president.

The other three tandems are lawyer Johnson Toribiong and Delegate Kerai Mariur; Sen. Joshua Koshiba and Gov. Jackson Ngiraingas; and Senate President Surangel Whipps Sr. and pastor Billy Kuartei.

The primary election is scheduled Sept. 23. The deadline for voters to request for absentee ballot is Sept. 16.

The top two vote getters after the primary will vie for the top two highest offices during the Nov. 4 General Elections, during which the people will also choose their new Senators and members of the House of Delegates.

Chin, who is also the Minister of Justice, said they are here to present heir resume to voters, just like when applying for a job.

“It’s up to the people to evaluate our accomplishments. If they are satisfied with our vision for the future, then they must vote us,” he said.

Chin said the people’s vote must be based on what the candidates want for the future of the children of Palau and the “future of our nation.”

Chin and Seid just completed their campaign trail in Hawaii last week before coming to Saipan. After Guam, they will concentrate on home turf.

“Our visit here is not only to campaign but also for friendship, camaraderie and solidarity,” Seid said.

The Governor of Ngiwal Masasinge Arurang, governor of Angaur Horace Rafael, businessman Ben Sakuma also came to show their support for the Chin-Seid tandem.

A senatorial candidate who is based on Saipan as a lawyer, Brian San Nicolas, also showed up and gave his support to the team.

The president of the Palauan Community on Saipan, Rufino Aguon, who works at the Northern Marianas College, declined to comment about the elections, although he said he has already his choices.