UNDP hand over the Electoral Ink and PPE to Electoral Management Bodies

DILI, 17 february 2022 (TATOLI) – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), today handover 12,600 bottles of electoral ink and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) handover to Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) for the upcoming election, with support from the Government of Japan and the Government of Timor- Leste.

“Today UNDP handed over 12,600 bottles of electoral ink and PPE to the EMBs, consisting of the Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration (STAE) and National Commission for Election (CNE). This equipment, essential for the upcoming elections in order to ensure transparency and COVID- safety at Timor–Leste ‘s elections starting from March this year, was procured by UNDP under the COVID- Resilient Election in Timor – Leste (CORE- TL) funded by the Government of Japan and Timor–Leste,’’ the Resident Representative of UNDP in Timor–Leste, Munkhtuya Altangerel told reporters at the STAE‘s office Caicoli, Dili today.

The CORE- TL procured 12,600 bottles of indelible ink in cooperation with the Government of Timor – Leste. The use of the ink was agreed by the EMBs and political parties at ink testing sessions held in December 2021. Meanwhile eight items of PPEs for EMB staff, namely 60 gallons of disinfectant, 60,000 bottles of sanitizer, 30 pump machines, 660 sets of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), 5,800 pieces of KN95 Masks, 8,000 boxes of disposal masks (400, 000pieces in total) 1,600 thermo scanners and 2,900 pairs of gloves, were supplied with the financial support from the Government of Japan.

“Following the protocol of Covid safety measure is an initiative to protect citizens ‘s lives and also conduct democratic and inclusive elections in this country,’’ UNDP Resident Representative Munkhtuya Altangerel expressed.

Also, Acilino Branco, General Director of STAE stated: “The indelible ink use has been an effective security feature to avoid voters casting multiple ballots during election times since Timor–Leste ‘s independence. The electoral ink will certainly contribute to securing transparency of the upcoming elections cycle and strengthening the right to vote and democracy”.

At the same place, the Ambassador of Japan in Timor–Leste, Masami Kinefuchi stated: “During the upcoming election, Timor–Leste will face a challenge it has not experienced in the previous elections, namely the spread of COVID- 19 virus. In light of the recent wave of pandemic, we hope that these PPEs will help ensure COVID – Resilient and democratic elections. We strongly hope that elections will be carried out smoothly as it has been in the past”.

The UNPD CORE -TL project is conducted with support funds from the Government of Japan with $ 4 million and the Government of Timor – Leste with $ 360,000. Through the strong partnership with the Government of Japan, the Government of Timor – Leste, CNE and STAE, the CORE – TL project strives for COVID – Resilient, informed, and inclusive elections at the national and municipal levels and ultimately, democracy in Timor–Leste.

The hand over event was attended by Masami Kinefuchi, Ambassador of Japan to Timor – Leste, Munkhtuya Altangerel, the Residence Representative of UNP, Jose Belo, President of CNE, Acilino Branco, Director General of STAE and the representative of presidential ‘s candidates and the invitation guest. Using these PPEs in the correct way is a critical protocol to carry out the election’s safety under the COVID situation. These PPEs not only secure the public health physically, but also relieve voters ‘ hindrance of fear to participate in elections in crowds.

Journalist: Camilio de Sousa

Editor: Rafy Belo