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IFES - East Timor - Timor Leste

East Timor (Timor Leste)

IFES began work in Timor-Leste in 2001 by training and equipping the country’s first public defenders. Since then, IFES conducted assessments of the Constituent Assembly election, the presidential election and election management needs. IFES worked with the Technical Secretariat for Election Administration (STAE) to help develop a voter registry for the first suco (village-level) elections and assisted the National Elections Commission (CNE) in supervising, organization and budgeting, and election reporting.  In 2006, IFES helped the CNE, National Parliament and election stakeholders understand pending election law issues for upcoming national elections.

The Prime Minister's dismissal of 594 petitioning members of the nation’s security forces in 2006 triggered a chain of events resulting in casualties and large-scale displacement as well as the effective derailment of the national political process.  The ensuing polarization of political forces, popular disillusionment with the government and emergence of previously dormant ethnic strife in Timor-Leste led to a tense and politically complex pre-electoral period. The 2007 elections were seen as both a necessary step in returning stability to the troubled nation and also as a potential flashpoint for politically-charged violence.

IFES' programming in Timor-Leste adapted quickly to the new reality, seeking to bolster the credibility of the elections process while helping to prevent or mitigate electoral violence. 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 and BELUN, a local civil society partner, monitored and reported election violence during and after the parliamentary election period.  Using the findings of the monitoring program, BELUN and IFES sponsored community activities to promote peace and resolve local conflicts. For example, IFES designed a face-to-face civic education module that reached over 20,000 East Timorese with accurate and accessible information about the political process.

Recent Project

Developing a National Electoral Framework  

From 2006 - 2008, IFES helped legislators and stakeholders understand the implications of election law choices which have a profound influence on the make-up and structure of the legislature.

IFES helped Timor-Leste create an electoral system that strengthens the country’s democratic culture and institutions by working with members of Timor-Leste's government to (1) inform them of global best practices; (2) provide technical assistance to drafters of the electoral framework; and (3) help develop regulations under the electoral law. IFES also works 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 then newly-appointed commissioners to help them prepare to carry out oversight functions vital to the integrity of the national elections.

Past Projects

Mentoring Public Defenders (2001-2004)

In any democratic nation, public defenders play a key role in upholding social equality by guaranteeing all members of the public access to justice. In East Timor, IFES worked with the Public Defenders' Office to improve its ability to fulfill this role. Between 2001 and 2004, IFES' legal specialists helped Timorese public defenders improve essential legal skills, develop managerial and administrative skills, and better defend the rights of their fellow citizens.

Capacity Building of the National Elections Commission

IFES has worked to build the capacity of the CNE and provide research and analysis to the National Parliament's review of electoral laws.  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 reached 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

IFES supported the Timorese Technical Secretariat for Election Administration (STAE) in communication and technology and helped it develop and manage a voter registration database. 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 capability increased significantly, and is better prepared to meet the challenge of elections.

In addition, IFES provided recommendations to assist National Election Commission (CNE) members in their preparations for the 2007 national elections.

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.