Palau
Election results
Data on parliamentary elections, including the background, candidates, voter turnout, results and the formation of the new legislature. By default the latest election results are displayed. Select a date to view results from previous elections
Background
Election date(s)
The date when elections started and ended for directly or indirectly elected parliaments/chambers. The date of appointments for appointed parliaments/chambers.
03.11.2020
Timing of election
Timing of election: Upon normal expiry; Early elections; Delayed elections
Upon normal expiry
Scope of elections
Scope of elections: Full renewal; Partial renewal.
Full renewal
Candidates
Total number of candidates
Total number of people who registered as candidates for election. Does not include people who stood as candidates to become "substitute members".
27
Number of male candidates
Number of male candidates
25
Number of female candidates
Number of female candidates
2
Percentage of women candidates
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of women candidates by the total number of candidates.
7.41%
There is no party system, or all candidates stood as independents.
Voter turnout
Registration
Number of people registered to vote
16,754
Votes
Number of people who actually voted
10,204
Voter turnout
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of people who actually voted by the number of people registered to vote
60.9%
Results
About the election
Short description of the context and results of the election.
Most incumbents were re-elected to the 16-member House of Delegates, while only 7 were re-elected to the 13-member Senate. One woman was re-elected to the House of Delegates and another woman was elected to the Senate. In the presidential elections, held in parallel with the parliamentary elections, Senator Surangel Whipps Jr. defeated Vice President Raymond Oilouch. Senator Jerrlyn Uduch Sengebau Sr. was elected as Vice President, thereby becoming the second woman in Palau to assume the post.
With no political parties in Palau, there was no nationwide election campaigning. Although Palau had registered only one COVID-19 case before the 2020 elections, the country’s tourism sector – which generates about 80 per cent of the nation’s total GDP and employs over 75 per cent of the workforce – was severely affected by the global pandemic.
On 21 January 2021, Mr. Surangel Whipps Jr. was sworn in as the new President, succeeding his brother-in-law Tommy Remengesau Jr., who was stepping down after serving two four-year terms. The new President promised to revive the country’s tourism-dependent economy and deal with climate change together with large countries by reminding them that “the threat is real”. He also pledged to continue formal recognition of, and close relations with, Taiwan.
With no political parties in Palau, there was no nationwide election campaigning. Although Palau had registered only one COVID-19 case before the 2020 elections, the country’s tourism sector – which generates about 80 per cent of the nation’s total GDP and employs over 75 per cent of the workforce – was severely affected by the global pandemic.
On 21 January 2021, Mr. Surangel Whipps Jr. was sworn in as the new President, succeeding his brother-in-law Tommy Remengesau Jr., who was stepping down after serving two four-year terms. The new President promised to revive the country’s tourism-dependent economy and deal with climate change together with large countries by reminding them that “the threat is real”. He also pledged to continue formal recognition of, and close relations with, Taiwan.
There is no data on political parties, for example because there is no party system or candidates stood as independents.
Alternation of power after elections
The results of the elections caused a change in the government. "Not applicable" to countries using the presidential system when parliamentary and presidential elections are held separately, to countries in political transition or where there is no party system.
Yes
Members elected, by sex
Number of men elected
12
Number of women elected
1
Other notes
Note on the expected date of next elections: The first Tuesday of November every four years;
Note on the date of the first session of the new parliament: The third Thursday of January after each general election.
Note on the date of the first session of the new parliament: The third Thursday of January after each general election.
Sources
National Congress (24.11.2020)
Palau Election Commission (30.06.2021)
Senate (27.01.2021);
https://palauelection.org/AFP
www.palaugov.pw;
https://islandtimes.org;
https://www.pacificislandtimes.com;
http://www.pina.com.fj;
https://www.rnz.co.nz/
Palau Election Commission (30.06.2021)
Senate (27.01.2021);
https://palauelection.org/AFP
www.palaugov.pw;
https://islandtimes.org;
https://www.pacificislandtimes.com;
http://www.pina.com.fj;
https://www.rnz.co.nz/
Women Directly Elected
1
New legislature
Total number of men after the election
The total number of male parliamentarians in this parliament/chamber following the election or renewal, regardless of their modes of designation.
12
Total number of women after the election
The total number of female parliamentarians in this parliament/chamber following the election or renewal, regardless of their modes of designation.
1
First-term parliamentarians
The number of members who are assuming their parliamentary mandate for the first time following the election or renewal, regardless of their mode of designation.
4
Date of the first session
The date when the newly elected parliament/chamber was convened for the first time. It may be different from the date when members were sworn in.
21.01.2021
First Speaker of the new legislature
First Speaker of the new legislature
First name of the Speaker of the new legislature following the election or renewal.
Hokkons
Baules
(Female)
Date of election
21.01.2021