DILI, march 13, 2023 (TATOLI) – National Commission for the Integrity of Creation of Justice and Peace – Observatory of Social Affairs Integration (JPIC-OIPAS) will train more than 90 observers to monitor the upcoming parliamentary elections in 2023.
JPIC Executive President, Fr. Júlio Crispin said more than 90 monitors will be trained to assist and monitor polling stations across the territory of Timor-Leste to ensure that the upcoming parliamentary elections are held with Democracy, transparency, fairness, and freedom for all Timorese citizens who can express their rights to choose the future of the nation in the next five years.
“The Catholic Church intends to ensure fair, transparent, and free elections for all Timorese citizens at home and also abroad, all citizens can express their rights in legislative elections,” said the Executive President of JPIC, Fr. Júlio Crispin at a press conference held at the Diocese of Timor Conference (CET) hall, Balidi, Friday.
Observers will work in two periods, a short-term period of one month, and a long-term period covering 3 months starting from the campaign period to election day.
Fr. Crispin also revealed that the Catholic Church always participates in every activity that will guarantee the goals of a democratic state that will bring the welfare of the Timorese people.
In addition, these monitors will use their authority in election campaign activities and in the legislative elections on May 21, 2023.
In the same place the Director of OIPAS, João Manuel Belo also stressed that monitors would oversee the opening of polling stations in all national areas, and compliance with the rules for opening hours.
He added that observers would also observe the opening and closing times of polling stations on election day.
“We direct monitors to legislative elections properly and monitor ballot boxes in national tabulation centers until the final results”, said João Belo
Belo revealed that the monitors would make recommendations directly from each of the parishes of Baucau, Dili, and Maliana.
The Church Observatory for Social Affairs (JPIC-OIPAS) together with the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the Catholic Relief Service (CRS) jointly monitored the parliamentary elections on 21 May 2023.
JPIC-OIPAS activities are funded by the American people through the United Nations for International Development Agency (USAID), International Republican Institute (IRI), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and JPIC with a total of US$ 500,000.
Monitors will be allocated to more than 1,476 polling stations across Timor-Leste including 13 overseas polling stations.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia B.
