DILI, 08 march 2022 (TATOLI) – National Electoral Commission of Timor-Leste (CNE) has called on the leaders of the Political Parties to control their supporters from inciting and stirring up violent and unlawful behavior during the presidential election campaign.
“I call on the leaders of the political parties to control their supporters during the presidential election campaign in order to not incite conflict and violent actions between supporters,” President of the National Electoral Commission of Timor-Leste, José Agostinho da Costa Belo made the statement at CNE’s office, in Dili, today.
Belo also urged the political parties to not make up election campaigns and respect the campaign schedule to prevent clashes between supporters.
“We don’t want to repeat the same clashes between supporters such as in Baucau and Manufahi municipality. Thus, political leaders need to be careful with their word choice when delivering their speeches,” he said.
Belo said CNE had made a number of immediate interventions to prevent further clashes between supporters: “We have no place for conflicts in this presidential election campaign.”
He stressed that candidates to the presidential election must demonstrate and preserve their integrity as a preferable figure to become the next Head of State.
“There is no penalty and legal sanctions, but I can assure you that inciting conflict and clashes between supporters would destroy the credibility and integrity of a political leader,” he said.
Last week, CNE reported clashes between supporters of KMANEK and FRETILIN party in Baucau municipality, destroying the basic materials of a household.
“There was also a verbal argument between supporters of FRETILIN and CNRT party in Manufahi municipality. CNE has noticed Timorese National Police (PNTL) to make any immediate interventions if there are clashes between supporters,” he added.
Belo reiterated his call by demanding parents and supporters to prevent their children from taking part in the presidential election campaign.
Echoing Belo’s statement, Fernando Dias Gusmão, the Representative of the Candidate, Francisco Gutteres ‘Lú Olo’ said that his party FRETILIN has made several press conferences, calling on parents and supporters to not bring their children along to the campaign.
“We have fulfilled our duty by conducting a number of the press conferences to let all parties know that children are not allowed to participate in the election campaign. But when it comes to the campaign, many children were turned up and it’s not our responsibility to turn them away. I think it’s PNTL’s job to prevent children from participating in the election campaign,” he said.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Rafy Belo
