DILI, 14 november 2023 (TATOLI) – Eighteen women were elected as village (suco) chiefs, equivalent to 4% of all suco chiefs, with six winning in the first round and 12 in the second.
The Secretary of State for Equality and Gender, Elvina Carvalho, congratulated the new local leaders, especially the women.
According to data from the National Electoral Commission (CNE), of the total 442 villages in the country, 18 women were elected, including four in Aileu, one in Ainaro, four in Baucau, one in Bobonaro, one in Covalima, three in Dili, one in Ermera, two in Manatuto and one in Manufahi. The participation rate for women fell from 5% to 4% compared to 2016.
Carvalho said that: “The people are waiting for the development of each suco on the basis of their [the elected leaders’] commitments.”
Elvina Carvalho praised the work of the Ministry of State Administration (MAE) and the Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration (STAE), as well as the Timorese National Defense Force (F-FDTL) and Timor-Leste’s National Police, who play a crucial role in ensuring peaceful elections for village chiefs in the country.
The second round of Community Leaders Elections took place on november 13, in 271 sucos across Timor-Leste. Meanwhile, a total of 171 village chiefs were elected in the first round on october 28.
A total of 2,117 candidates contested the village head elections, including 241 women (11.4%) and 1,876 men (88.6%).
Journalist: Camilo de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
