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key point:
- Single Senate District: The Senate will remain a single-member district, ensuring “one person, one vote” and fair representation of all people.
- Increased seats: The number of Senate seats would increase from 13 to 15, allowing for a wider range of constituents to participate and potentially making lawmaking more efficient.
- Focus on representation: The committee prioritizes factors such as workload balance and ensuring that each senator represents a reasonable number of constituents.
Palau Koror – The Congressional Redistricting Commission released its 2024 redistricting plan, which would increase the Senate from 13 to 15 seats.
Key factors considered in the plan include the latest population data, the need for equal representation, the cost of operating the Senate, and the principle of non-partisanship for incumbent members. The 2020 census data showed that the citizen population decreased by about 3%, while the non-citizen population increased by nearly 8%. Notably, Koror and Alai remained the most populous states, with Alai and Babeltuab experiencing population growth due to ongoing infrastructure development.
The Commission upholds the principle of “one person, one vote” and supports the single senatorial district system, which ensures that all citizens have equal voting rights. This system is considered to promote unity, fair representation and inclusiveness.
Senate operating expenses were also reviewed, with a notable 6 percent reduction in the annual budget from fiscal year 2019 to fiscal year 2023. While the committee recognizes that increasing the size of the Senate will increase overall expenses, it concludes that the impact will primarily affect member salaries, with no significant changes to other budget items.
The final plan retains the single Senate district and increases the number of Senate seats from 13 to 15. According to the plan, the move is intended to improve voters’ access to elected officials, ensure more equal representation and a broader distribution of political power.
The only female member of the committee, Ms. Berry Moon Watson, proposed that gender diversity in the Senate be considered in the future to reflect the demographics of Palau, where 47% of the population is female. The report said that while the committee recognized the importance of this suggestion, it stressed that any constitutional amendment needs to go through the due legislative process.
The Commission faced a statutory conflict that delayed the release of the plan by one year. Statutory time limits required release earlier than the constitutional deadline. Legal counsel advised the Commission to release the plan in a timely manner by meeting the constitutional deadline of 120 days before the general election.
The Commission was established under Article IX, Section 4(a) of the Constitution and Sections 202 and 203 of 23 PNC and commenced its work on April 11, 2024. The seven-member panel elected Mr. Ongerung Kambes Kesolei as Chairperson and Dr. Patrick U. Tellei as Vice Chairperson. Other members include Ms. Berry Moon Watson, Mr. Wayne Andrew, Mr. Paul Reklai, Mr. Jefferson Thomas, and Mr. Raynold Mechol. The Commission has the power to hire employees, contract services, and manage property to perform its duties.
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