Home » Regions » Asia » East Timor (Timor Leste)

IFES - East Timor - Timor Leste

East Timor (Timor Leste)

IFES has worked in Timor-Leste since 2001.  IFES’ initial program trained and equipped the country’s first public defenders. In the electoral sector IFES conducted assessments of the Constituent Assembly election in August 2001, the presidential election in April 2002, and election management needs in November 2002. IFES worked with the Technical Secretariat for Election Administration (STAE) from 2003-04 to help develop the voter registry for the first suco elections.  From 2004-05, IFES assisted the National Elections Commission (CNE) in its supervision of the suco elections, its organization and budgeting, and election reporting.  Work continued in 2006, focusing on election law issues for the national elections. 

Since early 2007, IFES assisted the CNE with legal advice on election laws and the Constitution, election supervision, public information and media activities, financial reporting by political parties and election complaints procedures. IFES also worked with a local civil society partner, BELUN, to monitor and report election violence during and after the parliamentary election period.  Following this, BELUN and IFES sponsored community activities to promote peace and resolve local conflicts.

Current Projects

Capacity Building of the National Elections Commission

Currently, IFES continues to build capacity of the CNE and provides research and analysis to Commission A of the National Parliament to help review electoral laws of Timor-Leste.  In addition, IFES launched a civic education campaign on the Constitution, 2007 election results, and formation of government in order to reduce political tensions and increase voter knowledge. The campaign reaches suco councils, university and high school students, teachers, political party followers, IDPs, and other persons of influence in communities in Dili and Baucau districts.

Improving the Electoral Process

Preparation for 2007 Elections: As East Timor’s independence is still young, the Timorese Technical Secretariat for Election Administration (STAE) began preparations for the first elections held in the country by an entirely national staff (scheduled for 2007).

IFES provided STAE with support related to communication and technology and helped it develop and manage a voter registration database. With USAID support, IFES trained local IT personnel to maintain and provide continuous updates to the database, and to the STAE Web site (www.stae.tl), which was launched in late 2004. Under IFES’ guidance, the STAE’s communication capabilities increased significantly, and it is better prepared as an institution to meet the challenge of elections.

Role of the CNE: IFES assisted the National Election Commission (CNE) in its constitutionally mandated oversight of the Suco (village-level) elections in 2004. In addition, IFES provided recommendations to assist future CNE members in their preparations for the anticipated 2007 national elections.

Voter Education: In March 2005, IFES helped launch a broad-based information campaign by offering recommendations, including the development of the Voter Communication and Education Office to serve as a link between the media and the electoral process; the production of voter education materials addressing the 2004 Suco elections; and the development of civic education campaigns in local newspapers, radio, and television stations.

Partnerships: IFES actively supported the development of partnerships between the electoral bodies and appropriate local institutions (both governmental and nongovernmental). For example, a new cooperative program between STAE and the University of Timor will result in the creation of an election administration curriculum to train new election officials.

Developing a National Electoral Framework

 

In 2006 and 2007 IFES helped develop election laws will lay the foundation for all national elections and have a profound influence on the make-up and structure of the legislature.

To help Timor Leste create an electoral system that strengthens the country’s democratic culture and institutions, IFES worked with members of Timor Leste's government to (1) inform them of best practices used elsewhere in building electoral systems and structuring independent oversight; (2) provide technical assistance to drafters of the electoral framework; and (3) help develop implementing regulations under the electoral law. IFES is also working with members of political parties and civil society to encourage local consensus and input to the electoral legislation.

To provide the new electoral framework with independent oversight of the election process, IFES provided technical assistance to the National Election Commission (CNE) and its newly appointed commissioners to help them prepare to carry out their oversight functions, which are vital to the integrity of the national elections.

The Suco elections (or local elections), held in mid-2005, revealed a number of ways that the Technical Secretariat for Election Administration (STAE) could improve its administration of elections. IFES worked with the STAE to improve consistency in voter registration and election-day procedures and to develop more effective voter education.

Past Projects in East Timor (Timor Leste) »