The Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) operates as a bicameral national legislature, consisting of two chambers that work together to create, review, and pass laws. These are the Senate and the House of Delegates. Both chambers have distinct roles but share the common duty of representing the interests of the Palauan people. The primary power of the OEK is to make laws, Article IX, Section 1 of the Palau National Constitution states that, “the legislative power of Palau shall be vested in the Olbiil Era Kelulau.”
The Senate
The Senate serves as the upper house of the OEK. It is composed of 15 members who are elected nationwide by the citizens of Palau. Senators represent the nation as a whole rather than individual states, ensuring that national priorities are addressed through collective decision making. Every eight years, a Reapportionment Commission is convened to develop a redistricting plan for the Senate in accordance with Section 4, Article IX of the Palau National Constitution. The number of Senators may change depending on the outcome of the Commission’s decision.
The Senate is responsible for enacting new policies, strengthen and modernize existing statutes through legislative amendments,reviewing legislations passed by the House of Delegates, confirming presidential appointments, and conducting oversight of all government entities. Senators serve a four-year term and elect among themselves their own Presiding Officers.
The House of Delegates
The House of Delegates is one of the two chambers of the Olbiil Era Kelulau and serves as the representative body of Palau’s sixteen states. Composed of sixteen(16) delegates elected to four-year terms, the House carries out its legislative responsibilities through the enactment of laws, review of national matters, and oversight of government operations in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Palau. Since the convening of the First Olbiil Era Kelulau in 1981, the House has remained committed to democratic governance, equal state representation, and public service to the people of the Republic of Palau.
Legislative Leadership
Each chamber elects its own presiding officers, who oversee sessions, manage legislative business, and represent their chamber in official matters and engagements. The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House coordinate joint sessions, committee hearings, and inter‑chamber communication. Together, they constitute the Legislative Leadership, which exercises oversight and provides counsel on major policy issues implemented by the Executive Branch, thereby upholding the system of checks and balances within the national government.
Committees
Standing committees in both chambers play a vital role in shaping legislation. They review bills, resolutions, conduct investigations, and make recommendations to the full chamber. Committees focus on specific areas such as finance, environment, foreign affairs, health, education, public infrastructure and other government affairs.
Through these committees, members of the OEK work closely with ministries of the Executive Branch, state governments, civil society, and local communities to ensure that proposed laws are well-informed and grounded in Palau’s needs.
The standing committees of the Senate focus on: strengthening the economic and financial foundation of Palau; promoting good governance throughout the Republic; continuing foreign relations and exploring new relations with foreign countries; creating a sound infrastructure through capital improvements; raising the educational standard, promoting social activities for the betterment of Palau; and providing for a healthier Palau.
Sessions and Proceedings
The OEK convenes each session at the National Capitol in Ngerulmud. Special sessions are convened when national issues require immediate attention. All proceedings are recorded and published to promote transparency and public participation.
Citizens are encouraged to attend open sessions or follow legislative updates through official broadcasts and publications.