For immediate release

Dili, Timor-Leste -- The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) congratulates the people of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste for a successful 2017 elections held on July 22, which was conducted smoothly and peacefully. The success of the elections is attributed to the commitment to attain unity and cooperation among the political parties, security forces, civil society actors, and the election management bodies notably the National Election Commission(CNE), and the Secretariat Technical for Administration of Elections (STAE).

International observers witnessed a peaceful electoral environment. The pre-election period was characterized by the absence of cases of violence and intimidation, and an environment conducive to a peaceful campaign which allowed all candidates to participate and hold their activities freely. The same can be said on election day, with minor incident reports which did not significantly affect the credibility of the election.

The mission noted tremendous laudable improvements but sees some room for improvement in ensuring a level playing field more specifically in the area of campaign finance. Polling administration can be further enhanced through a uniform application of rules and procedures on the balloting. The counting can likewise be shortened without sacrificing its transparency.

The Dili Indicators for Democratic Elections[1], ANFREL’s main instrument in assessing elections, was initiated in Timor-Leste. Thus, we call on all stakeholders to uphold the guiding principles it contains.

The ANFREL mission will release its assessment report after the completion of the electoral dispute resolution process.

For further information please contact anfrel@anfrel.org.

[1] Aesforum.anfrel.org

PDF copy: Press Release-Timor Leste (English)

Tetun version: Press Release Timor Leste (Tetun)