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Brother-in-law: President Surangel Whipps Jr (left) will face former President Tommy Remengesau Jr in the November 5 election – the same date as the US general election.
photo: New Zealand Pacific Radio
The president of Palau will run against his brother-in-law, a former two-term president, in the 2024 election.
President Surangel Whipps Jr will face former President Tommy Remengesau Jr in the November 5 election – the same date as the US election.
This is a complete reversal of the situation in 2016, when Whipps ran against Remengesau, who was president.
Whipps lost the election by a narrow margin, with Remengesau receiving 5,109 votes and Whipps receiving 4,824 votes.
Remengesau has served two terms as president, from 2000 to 2008 and from 2013 to 2021.
“Of course, he is my brother-in-law, but we are both candidates for the people of Palau,” Whipps told the media.
“I ran in 2016 because the people of Palau asked me to run, and I’m sure that’s why he’s running now.”
RNZ Pacific correspondent Ongerung Kesolei said it was strange that Palauan culture required family members to help each other.
He said the decision was unexpected in 2016 because Whipps was a senator at the time.
“How much of a role did that cultural value play in that election? I really don’t know.
“But some people said Whipps shouldn’t challenge his brother-in-law because it’s not the way our culture works,” Kesore said.
“People still think it’s not a good idea for brothers to go against each other.”
However, Kessole said some people believe that culture is separate from the democratic process.
“I think they will continue to fulfill their roles when it comes to customary obligations of the family.
“I think when you’re at these public cultural events and funerals it’s not going to affect them much, but I think within the family, that’s going to be a different story.”
As of July, More than 16,600 voters in 16 states In Palau,
Kesore said the two held opposing views on issues such as taxes, the economy, education and crime.
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr will face former President Thomas Remengesau Jr in the November 5 election.
photo: Caleb Fotheringham
However, he said both supported Taiwan and U.S. military expansion.
Palau, along with the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands, has a special relationship with the United States under the Compact of Free Association (COFA).
The United States provides economic aid to these three countries, and in return it obtains military access and control.
Regarding the upcoming US election, Whipps said, “Whether it is (Donald) Trump or (Kamala) Harris, the relationship between Palau and the United States will remain strong.”
“The difference between us now and 2010 is that we realize we are partners and we have to work together and they can’t ignore us, and that’s how we feel.
“The climate back then was completely different than it is now.”
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