DILI, 27 march 2023 (TATOLI) – The Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have confirmed to observe the upcoming Timor-Leste’s parliamentary elections to be held on 21 may, 2023.
On the ASEAN side, Indonesia, Thailand, and Myanmar have confirmed their commitment to observe and monitor the elections.
Meanwhile, the electoral bodies of the CPLP countries have also expressed interest to observe the elections.
“The President of the Electoral Bodies of Portugal has officially confirmed his presence to observe the elections with the exception of Guinea Bissau, as they are also preparing for an election,” CNE’s President, Jos Belo said after meeting the President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta, in Dili, today.
He said a delegation of two or three people will arrive two or three days before the elections.
“The success of the parliamentary elections would be an important factor contributing to Timor-Leste’s preparation for ASEAN membership,” Belo stressed.
In order to ensure a peaceful and democratic election, Belo said that the CNE has already made maximum preparation: “We would work hard to ensure that there will be no irregularities in the upcoming elections.”
The Court of Appeal on saturday (25/03) officially announced that 17 political parties were eligible to contest the next elections.
The 18 political parties are:
- National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT);
- Kmanek Haburas Unidade Nasional Timor Oan (KHUNTO);
- Timorese Socialist Party (PST);
- Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (Fretilin);
- Timorese Social Democratic Action Center Party (CASDTL);
- Democratic Party (PD);
- Maubere People’s Liberation Movement Party (MLPM);
- National Development Party (PDN);
- Association of Timorese Popular Monarchy (APMT);
- Republican Party (PR);
- Timorese Union Democratic (UDT);
- Christian Democratic Party (PDC);
- People’s Liberation Party (PLP);
- National Unity Democratic Party of the Timorese Resistance (UNDERTIM);
- Party of Unity for Democratic Development (PUDD);
- Aileba People Liberation Party (PLPA);
- Green Party (PVT).
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
