Dili, 19 october 2021 (TATOLI) – The United Nations Department of Political and Peace Building Affairs (DPPA) is committed to helping the Electoral Process in Timor-Leste, said Zoran Trajkovski, the Electoral Affairs Officer of United Nations Assistance Mission.
Zoran Trajkovski made the comments after meeting Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak to discuss the upcoming presidential election.
“The meeting with the Timorese Prime Minister was held following the government’s request to assist in the country’s preparation process for the upcoming presidential election,” said Trajkovski after meeting Prime Minister Ruak, in Dili.
Trajkovski stressed that Prime Minister was pleased with the presence of his team in Timor-Leste.
Apart from meeting the Prime Minister, the team also met the Head of State.
During the meeting with the President of the Republic, Francisco Guterres Lú Olo stressed that the presence of the United Nations Assistance Mission is pertinent to strengthen the electoral process in a transparent, legal, and democratic manner, especially during the covid-19 pandemic.
The Head of State also underlined that elections are important mechanisms for all citizens to exercise their right to vote.
Trajkovski thanked the Head of State for his confidence in supporting the electoral process in the country.
“The UN will not carry out the work alone. It will cooperate with various agencies and civil society,” he said.
The work of the United Nations Assistance Mission will take place between october 7 and 21, to gather information on factors and issues associated with the election process.
Previously, the Director-General of the Technical Secretariat of Electoral Administration (STAE)), Acilino Branco, had informed that a delegation from the European Union (EU) would soon arrive in the country to examine Timor-Leste’s preparation for the upcoming presidential election.
“International observers from the European Union in Brussels will arrive in the country on october 21. The team aims to assess our preparation for the 2022 presidential election”, said Branco.
He said a team of more than 20 people will have the support of the Timorese Government to carry out its work, both at the national and municipal levels.
“The delegation requested STAE to organize meetings in the municipalities to allow the observations to be carried out by the team. The municipalities of Manufahi, Liquiçá, and Lautém will be the first target of the observations. After the assessment in these municipalities, the team will report to STAE to make improvements in other municipalities on some aspects,” he explained.
Acilino added the EU team will also meet with the leaders of the State’s organs to address issues related to the presidential election, before returning to Brussels on november 6.
Journalist: Domingos Piedade Freitas
Publisher: Maria Auxiliadora
Translation: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
