We strongly salute and congratulate the people of Timor-Leste, who have overwhelmed us with their commitment to democracy. Despite many challenges, the Parliamentary Election has been carried out quite successfully. The process has strengthened this young nation’s institutions, and the relatively peaceful environment during the election period is a welcome change from the atmosphere after last year’s crisis. As the cycle of elections nears its conclusion, it is now up to all the political parties to respect the democratic wishes of the people for peace and a renewed focus on national development.
Executive Summary
We strongly salute and congratulate the people of Timor-Leste, who have overwhelmed us with their commitment to democracy. Despite many challenges, the Parliamentary Election has been carried out quite successfully. The process has strengthened this young nation’s institutions, and the relatively peaceful environment during the election period is a welcome change from the atmosphere after last year’s crisis. As the cycle of elections nears its conclusion, it is now up to all the political parties to respect the democratic wishes of the people for peace and a renewed focus on national development.
Background
The Parliamentary Election is the culmination of a series of national elections, the first ever administered by the Government of Timor-Leste. The international community, especially the solidarity movement which formed part of the backbone of the Timorese people’s struggle for self-determination, is once again being called upon to actively take part in realizing Timor-Leste’s full independence and democracy. This time, by ensuring the safe, clean, and democratic conduct of the elections, the international solidarity movement for Timor-Leste can truly contribute in safeguarding the gains of the independence struggle. In particular, we believe it is vital that Asian democrats and civil society organizations actively participate in the process, as a valuable addition to the efforts of the United Nations and other members of the international community.
Therefore, to observe the Timor-Leste parliamentary election, the World Forum for Democratization in Asia (WFDA), Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and the Asia-Pacific Solidarity Coalition (APSOC) have come together to organize a joint solidarity and observation mission. Composed of Asian parliamentarians, political parties and civil society leaders, the mission was led by Hon. Nursyabani Katjasungkana, Indonesian Member of Parliament and leading women’s rights activist.
The mission also built on the “Solidarity and Democracy Mission to Timor-Leste” sent by WFDA, APSOC and the Global Partnership for Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC) to Timor-Leste in August 2006, as well as the observation of the first round of the presidential election in April carried out by ANFREL and APSOC. In addition to observing the final days of campaigning in Dili, the missions’s 13 members observed 29 polling centers in 11 sub districts of Dili, Baucau, Ermera, and Liquica, as well as district counting centers in Dili, Baucau, and Ermera. Based on these observations, as well as interviews with election administration bodies, leaders of major political parties, the national observer organizations and other civil society representatives, and a variety of Timorese citizens, the following are our preliminary findings.
The Campaign
Considering the serious nature of the crisis that occurred last year, which was observed by the Solidarity Mission in August, the pre-election environment was not as violent as might have been feared. Although there were still a number of serious incidents reported, most of the country was relatively peaceful. Intimidation may still have existed in some areas, and it was cited by some political parties and some ordinary voters, but it seems that it was not pervasive throughout the country, and may have had only a marginal impact on the results. Nonetheless, it is crucial that all the incidents which did occur should be investigated properly, to prevent a reinforcement of impunity in this society.
The public campaign activities of the parties were largely lawful, although there were some technical issues, such as changes to campaign schedules without official notification to the National Electoral Commission (CNE). Another issue was the role of government officials, who were not consistent in whether they had taken leaves of absence or not, and whether official vehicles or resources were used.
One clear area of concern is regarding campaign finance. There were obvious discrepancies in the resources available to the parties, with in particular CNRT and Fretilin having major advantages over all other parties. Since the legal framework does not provide adequate mechanisms to regulate campaign financing, it is impossible to assess the extent to which this funding was legitimate.
We heard concerns about the tone of the campaign, that some candidates used inappropriate or inflammatory language, which is especially risky given the recent history of conflict in Timor-Leste. Although there was still too much emphasis on personalities, significant improvement was noted compared to the presidential campaign, with most of the parties at least presenting and promoting their platforms to some extent.
Polling and Counting
The overwhelming impact of the polling day was the impressive demonstration of commitment to the democratic process by voters in all districts observed. We strongly congratulate the people of Timor-Leste for once again turning out in very high numbers. We were moved by the sight of citizens eagerly queuing early to vote in the polling stations we visited, often traveling significant distances, in both very hot and very cold weather, with children in tow.
We also commend the CNE, Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration (STAE), and the National Police (PNTL) for their great efforts to carry out the elections, which showed marked improvement from the first presidential elections, including effective coordination and communication between these agencies and other stakeholders. In particular, they showed great nimbleness in adapting to two previously unforeseen circumstances, the unseasonable weather and the sudden change in the regulation regarding the counting procedures, which difficulties they managed to overcome almost entirely.
We especially want to commend the national observer organizations, who, with very limited resources, were able to deploy observers around the country for a total of 3 elections. Their capacity and confidence appears to have increased with each stage, and we believe they have laid a solid foundation for a tradition of neutral, civil society monitoring of the political process, which can only stand the nation in good stead as its young democracy continues to mature. Party agents (fiscais) also generally showed improved performance, adding to the integrity of the process.
Appreciation is also due to the staff of UNMIT, UNDP, and other international agencies who worked diligently and professionally to assist the process, especially the many whom we observed making efforts above and beyond the call of duty.
Recommendations for the Post-Election Period
All the votes have now been cast, and they are being counted at the district counting centers. In addition to calling on CNE, STAE, national and international observers, and party agents (fiscais) to sustain their professionalism through the end of the counting process, we make the following recommendations:
- We call on all parties to accept the results, after all legitimate complaints of technical irregularities or violations have been thoroughly investigated and corrected if necessary. Although the campaign may not have been completely free and fair, the polling process itself appears to have been carried out without systematic bias. Moreover, more is to be lost for Timor-Leste at this point by continuation of political conflict.
- At the same time, we call on the CNE and the Court of Appeals to hear any complaints which may be filed strictly impartially and without delay. In such cases it is vital that justice not only be done, but be seen to be done, and in a timely manner.
- We call on all parties to fulfill the pledges made in the May 25 Political Party Accord, in particular the last three operative paragraphs. Parties that will join the new government must respect those that do not, and parties that will form the opposition need to play that role constructively.
- We call on those parties who may have to engage in negotiations to form a coalition to do so on the basis of agreed programs for governance, rather than simple horse-trading of government posts. This could be the first experience of coalition government for Timor-Leste, and it is essential that it sets a good precedent for the future.
- In the medium term, further efforts are needed to strengthen democracy and human rights education, including not least voter education, in order to sustain and deepen the democratic consciousness on the people.
In conclusion, recognizing that elections by themselves do not make democracy, we commit ourselves to continue to accompany the Timorese people not only through the end of the election process and the post-election period, but into the future, firmly believing that there is much that this young nation can contribute to Asian democracy.
A luta continua!
Media Contacts:
Ruby Rose Lora (APSOC): +670-734- <ruby@iidnet.org>
Ichal Supriadi (ANFREL) +670-733-9661 <ichal@anfrel.org>
Bo Tedards (WFDA) +886-2-2708-0100, ext 212 <bo@taiwandemocracy.org.tw>
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