appeared to be true that the political education campaiqn had focused to some extent on the provisions of the Guam Accord. The Mission regarded such <:1 focus as understandable given that the Guam Accord was the principal element introduced since the last plebiscite on the Compact. 47. The announcement shortly before the scheduled referendum that. the voliny at overseas voting locations would be brought forward by two days rnised <:ertain administrative problems which were dealt with satisfactorily. The change of date, from a working day to a weekend, will have made it easier for overseas Palauans to exercise their right to vote. The Palauan authorities took adequate steps to ensure that voters were aware of the new date. 48. The practical arrangements for the poll were handled smoothly and efficiently. In the Mission's view, the poll was conducted in full accordance with th© rules and regulations of the plebiscite. The Mission saw no evidence of malpractice or of improper attempts to influence voters. Nor were uny such incidents brought to the Mission's attention. Voters were able to cast tl1eir votes in secret. All those entitled to vote had ample opportunity to flo so. 49. The counting and tabulation of votes was carried out openly cllld in n methodical and scrupulous manner. Minor technical errors were resolved satisfactorily. 50. The Mission feels bound to note that the debate over the Compc1cl !Jacl, Lo cl certain extent, become interwoven with domestic political rivalries ancl nmbitJons in Palau. The Mission also noted a degree of disaffection 1-fith U1e <'d ector-al -·l.l-process on the part of many voters. The Mission is not in a position to judge how far such considerations (as opposed to positions on the substance or tile Compact) may have affected the outcome of the plebiscite, although they 8ppen~ to !JavA played some role. 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the conduct of a referendum or plebiscite in Palau, focusing on the administrative and procedural aspects of the vote, rather than any specific policy or issue related to a particular sector. The language used is formal and objective, suggesting a report or evaluation of the process rather than a discussion of a particular topic.

**Category**
Education, International Affairs