32. The poll was conducted on the basis of RPPL No. 3-10 (see annex II), us amended by RPPL No. 3-24 (see annex III), and the rules and regnlations for the referendum issued on 29 January 1990 (see annex IX, ( 8)). As in r-ecent referendums, Palauans were permitted to vote at any polling place and to reqister and vote on the spot, if necessary. Arrangements were also made to allow corrfined voters to vote. 33. On polling day in Palau, the Mission divided into five teams in order tn observe the voting process at as many polling stations as possible. Otrt of a total of 41 polling places, the Mission visited 39 located throughout Koror, Airai, Western, Eastern and Central Babelthuap, Angaur and Peleliu. Tl~ Mission wns present when the poll opened at 7 a.m. at several polling stntions. Many polling stations in Koror and Airai State were visited three or more times Jr1 the course of the day. 34. The rules and regulations for the referendum were <:wnerally "'e 1 1 nb!>ervR<l. At least two election officials were present at each polling station. Campuigncrs were absent from the immediate vicinity. In some cases, poll watchers from the "yes" and "no" groups were present. Arrangements were made to ensure Uwt voters understood the ballot paper and could mark their ballot papers jll secJ.el.. ThPn~ was no interference in the voting process. 35. In one instance, the Mission found that although the padlock on the ballot box was closed, it was not securing the box latch. The Mission drew this to the attention of election officials who locked the box properly in the pcesence of a Mission member. 36. When the voting ended at 7 p.m., members of the Mission were present to observe the closure at the central polling places in Koror. 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be describing the conduct of a referendum in Palau, including the setup, voting process, and supervision of the election. The focus is on the administrative and logistical aspects of the referendum, with no mention of economic, natural resource, or environmental issues. The text also does not mention any specific policies or initiatives related to the referendum, but rather focuses on the procedural aspects of the voting process.

**Category**
Election, Humanitarian aid and relief