Brothers-in-law: President Surangel Whipps Jr, left, will face former president Tommy Remengesau Jr in the polls on 5 November - the same date as the United States election. Photo: RNZ Pacific
Polls will open at 7am Tuesday local time (11am NZT) for Palau's election.
Incumbent President Surangel Whipps Jr is vying for a second term, running against former four-term President Tommy Remengesau Jr.
According to the Palau Election Commission, the total number of registered voters as of 15 July 2024 was 16,627.
In the last general election in 2020, 10,204 votes were cast from 16,754 registered voters.
The rising cost of living and recent tax reform - specifically, the value added tax - were key issues during the campaigns.
"On 5 November, two prominent political figures-who also happen to be brothers-in-law - will face off for the second time," Palau's national newspaper, Island Times, said in an editorial in September.
"However, political observers anticipate that the election outcome may remain uncertain for a week, as absentee ballots will decide the closely contested race.
"The candidates-one a charismatic leader, the other a popular and wealthy businessman-are making strong appeals to voters at home and abroad."
It said both candidates had adopted similar campaign strategies and focused on personal interactions rather than large public rallies or extensive media coverage.
The election is being held on the same date as the United States election.
Whipps Jr said in August that whichever candidate wins the US election, "the relationship between Palau and the United States will remain strong".
"The difference that we have now versus the way we were back in 2010 is the realisation that we are partners, we have to work together, and they can't just ignore us.
"It was a totally different climate than what it is now," he added.