DILI 9 february 2023 (TATOLI)- European Union (EU) and Plan International in Timor Leste ( PITL) launched a new project of promoting democratic and inclusive elections.
The Ambassador European Union, March Friedrich said European Union is committed to supporting democracy and human rights in Timor-Leste. The new project is involving civil society organizations (COSs) for promoting democratic and inclusive elections in 13 municipalities included in Oecusse Ambeno (RAEOA).
“We are empowering civil society action to reinforce the efforts of the Timorese government and people to build a strong and sustainable democracy. Let us embrace our civil duty, raise thoughtful questions, and work together to create a brighter future through the power of free and fair election,’’ The Ambassador European Union, March Friedrich said in his remark, in Delta Nova, thusday.
Meanwhile, the Interim Director of PITL, Fátima Estrela Soares said this new project will support civil society organizations to promote democracy and inclusive participation in the upcoming elections to ensure inclusivity and the participation of the most marginalized groups in the electoral process.
“PITL and CSO will directly work with the National Election Commission (CNE) and Secretariat Technique and Administrative (STAE) to provide advocacy on inclusive and democratic elections to the Youth, Women, and People with disability, Media, and others,” she said.
The action focuses on the needs and constraints that Timorese civil society faces to consolidate democracy and elections in Timor-Leste. It will offer training, coaching, mentoring, and mutual learning to create better conditions for participation in the electoral process and help develop effective policies to protect against discrimination; Promote access and disseminate information to Timorese voters at the community level, using radio programs; Remove barriers to allow people with disabilities to vote; Strengthen women and youth’s ability to vote and participate in political decision-making.
It is a consortium project between Civic Society Organizations such as ADTL, Belun, JPIC, Pátria, and MOFFE & Caucus.
“I would like to express the greatest gratitude to the Europen Union in Timor Leste for support financial support for this new project,’’ She said
President of Ombudsmen Prosecutor Human Rights and Justice (PDJH), Virgílio Gutters said this project is most vital to guarantee the human right for everyone, especially for people with disabilities, women, and other vulnerable people to have secreted voters in the upcoming election.
“We will observe the election that must be ensured people with a disability express their right on voting. We hope this project helps people with disability to vote in secret for everyone,’’ He concluded.
It is known that this project is funded by European Union for the amount of 600.000 Euro or 645.000 USD and this project will be implemented for two years.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia B.
