The position was established in 1983 and a new governor is sworn in on January 1 unless they resign during their term.

[4] They must also be at least 35 years old, must not have been convicted of a felony at the time of an election, unless pardoned, and can not be employed by the state government, national government or serve in the Palau National Congress concurrently whilst governor.

[4] Furthermore, it states that the governor shall be elected in a state-wide election for a term of 3 years and that a person can not serve as governor for more than 3 consecutive terms.

[4] The governor may be impeached and removed from office for treason, bribery or other serious crimes by a vote of no less than two-thirds of the members of the state legislature.

[4] If the office becomes vacant and there is more than 180 days remaining in the unexpired term, the speaker of the house becomes governor and must call a special election within 30 days to fill the vacancy.