DILI, 26 june 2023 (TATOLI) – Two local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Asia Justice and Rights (AJAR) and Rede Feto, congratulated five Timorese women who were elected to the posts of Speaker of the House, Deputy Speaker, Secretary, and Deputy Secretary to lead the National Parliament for the period 2023-2028.
Inocêncio Xavier, on behalf of AJAR, congratulated Maria Fernanda Lay, Maria Teresinha Viegas, Virgínia Ana Belo, Maria Teresinha da Silva Gusmão, and Bendita Moniz Magno for having been chosen to lead the Parliament.
“We congratulate the new structure of the National Parliament, especially our female leaders. We trust them in leading our National Parliament for the next five-year term,” Xavier told TATOLI, at his office, in Dili, today.
The President of Rede Feto, Zelia Fernandes, also praised the National Parliament for electing the five Timorese women.
“The newly elected House Speaker, Maria Fernanda Lay’s leadership will inspire and motivate our Timorese women to be the future leaders,” she said.
In her speech at the inauguration ceremony, Lay said that despite being given a heavy task, she would work in collaboration with all MPs to dignify the dreams of the Martyrs to ensure a good life for all Timorese.
“My congratulations to the deputy house speakers, secretary, and her two deputies for assuming such heavy tasks. We will work together as a legal body of the State to serve the nation and the people,” House Speaker Lay said.
Most of the posts in the composition of the new parliament are occupied by women, showing Timor-Leste’s seriousness in the fight for gender equality.
The 6th National Parliament of Timor-Leste currently consists of 65 members elected in the 21-may election, including 31 members from CNRT, 19 from the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (FRETILIN), six from PD, five from KHUNTO and four from People’s Liberation Party.
Below is the composition of the Structure of the VI National Parliament:
House Speaker:Maria Fernanda Lay (CNRT)
Deputy House Speakers:
- 1) Maria Teresinha Viegas (CNRT)
- 2) Alexandrino Afonso Nunes (PD)
Secretary : Virginia Ana Belo (CNRT)
Deputy Secretaries:
- 1) Maria Teresinha da Silva Gusmão (PD)
- 2) Bendita Moniz Magno (CNRT)
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
