DILI, 09 feberuary 2023 (TATOLI) – The United States through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) donated $ 1.2 million to the Consortium for Elections and Political Processes (CEPPS) partners, the International Republican Institute (IRI), the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), and their local partners to implement activities to promote inclusive, free, and fair elections in Timor-Leste through its new “Supporting Inclusive Parliamentary Elections Activity.”
“As a vibrant democracy, Timor-Leste has made exceptional strides to advance the inherent dignity and voice of each of its citizens as it works to strengthen its democratic institutions. In support of these efforts, the U.S Government through USAID is delighted to provide $1.25 million to assist Timor-Leste to facilitate inclusive, free, fair, and credible parliamentary elections.” said the Charge d’ Affaires of the U.S Embassy to Timor – Leste, Tom Daley, when held the round meeting table with Timorese Journalists at the Embassy of U.S in Pantai Kelapa, Dili on thursday.
He added the 2023 Parliamentary elections will be the second election held in Timor-Leste during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Timor-Leste further strengthens its democracy in advance of this important election, USAID will assist an informed citizenry to safely exercise their voting rights, while promoting legitimacy and transparency of the electoral process.
Through the activity, USAID will prioritize opinion polling and campaign training for women and youth candidates to help campaigns respond to citizen interests and concerns. Political party training and domestic election observation will help to ensure electoral transparency and integrity.
USAID’s inclusive voter education and outreach activities will provide essential electoral information, motivate citizens to take part in the election, and foster citizen dialogue with political parties and candidates so that voters can make an informed choice on election day.
All voter education and observation activities will be implemented in close coordination with Timor-Leste’s electoral management bodies, the National Election Commission (CNE), and the Technical Secretariat for Election Administration (STAE).
“The “Supporting Inclusive Parliamentary Elections Activity’” will use the nationally televised talk show Ko’alia Ba Ha’u! (“Talk to Me!”) to provide election information to rural and urban voters across Timor-Leste. In collaboration with Timorese partners, education campaigns will inform and activate citizen participation in the election, with a focus on women, persons with disabilities, rural voters, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) individuals, and youth,”
In partnership with CNE and STAE, USAID will promote COVID-safe, inclusive access to voting, to ensure that disadvantaged groups can meaningfully participate in the electoral process with a special focus on disability inclusion in elections.
Journalist : Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Nelia B.
