DILI,20 april 2022 (TATOLI) – The Electoral Observer Mission (EOM) of CPLP honoring the renewed invitation of the Timorese Government, to the Observation Mission of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), returned to the country to accompany the second-round of the Presidential Elections in the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, held on April 19, 2022.
The EOP of CPLP composed of the Chief of Mission remains in charge of the Itinerant Ambassador of the Republic of Angola, José Guerreiro Alves Primo, and 11 observers, including diplomats and technicians appointed by the Member States and officials from the Secretary of the Executive of the organization.
Present in the country between April 13 and 22, the EOM of the CPLP coordinated with the Electoral Administration and other observation missions to have been assisting the final election campaigns.
‘’The CPLP EOM was divided into 5 (five) teams, distributed across the municipalities of Dili (2 teams), Baucau, Ermera, and Manatuto, (with 1 team each), having observed a total of 74 voting centers,’’. the Chief of Mission remains in charge of the Itinerant Ambassador of the Republic of Angola, José Guerreiro Alves Primo said during the press conference.
For the municipality of Likasa, the CPLP EOM established a close collaboration with the g7+ observation team, an Associated Observer of the CPLP, which observed 10 polling centers, thus making up 84 centers, corresponding to a total of 158,722 registered voters, approximately 18% of the number of registered voters.
‘’During the observation, the EOM found that the voting centers were accessible and that they had the material and conditions necessary for their functioning; and that they have complied with the opening and closing hours’’ José Guerreiro Alves Primo said.
The opening procedures had been complied with, namely the display of empty ballot boxes and their respective selection, the counting and signing of the ballot papers; as well as the procedures for closing, counting, and filling out the minutes.
Alves Primo said the voting process took place in an organized manner and a peaceful environment, with the electoral officers ensuring, with efficiency and neutrality, the legally foreseen procedures and the legally foreseen justification and clarification of the voters.
‘’Thus, the CPLP EOM considers that the election is following the democratic principles and political rights underlined in the Timor-Leste Constitution, under the electoral rules in force, and in line with the international practices of reference,”
“The CPLP EOM is convinced that any failures and omissions that may have been recorded did not affect the smooth development of the electoral process, nor will have the impact on the calculation of results.”
The CPLP mission also considers that the participation of citizens in the country’s political process has been duly ensured, through the exercise of the right to vote, with respect for equality of universal survey and freedom of expression and association.
“Therefore EOM congratulates the authorities of Timor-Leste for holding credible, free, and transparent elections, which are essential for full political participation and the exercise of citizenship, as well as for the strengthening of democracy.
Journalist : Camilio de Sousa
Editor : Rafy Belo
