parliamentary elections in Timor-Leste
30 June 2007
Timor-Leste: In April 2007, the Government of Timor-Leste held Presidential
Elections and in May 2007 conducted run-off elections, which were won by the
then Prime Minister, Jose Ramos-Horta. In response to an invitation by the
Government of Timor-Leste, the South African Government sent a four-member
Observer Team to the Presidential Elections led by the South African Ambassador
to Indonesia, His Excellency Mr GM Memela, who is also accredited to
Timor-Leste.
On Saturday, 30 June 2007, the Government of Timor-Leste held its first
democratic parliamentary elections since its independence. Once more, the
Government of Timor-Leste invited South Africa to participate in the elections
as part of the International Observer Missions. In response to the invitation,
the South African Government sent a sixteen-member Observer Mission led by
Professor Mandla Mchunu, former Chief Electoral Officer of the Independent
Electoral Commission of South Africa. The Observer Mission comprised of Members
of Parliament, representatives with electoral and monitoring experience from
non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society and senior public
officials.
The South African Observer Mission participated in the parliamentary
elections mindful of South Africa's status as a non-permanent member of the
United Nations (UN) Security Council for 2007-2008, and its designation as the
lead nation for Timor-Leste. In line with this UN mandate and South Africa's
commitment to global peace and democracy, the participation of the South
African observer team in the parliamentary elections is an illustration of
South Africa's support to the consolidation of peace and democracy in
Timor-Leste.
On information received about the pre-election preparations, the observer
team was satisfied that all the necessary processes and procedures to conduct
successful elections had been undertaken. The observer team deployed its
members in the districts of Baucau, Dili, Aileu and Liquica for the elections
of Saturday, 30 June 2007. From reports received from the districts that the
Mission covered, the Observer Mission has concluded that the elections were
conducted in the most peaceful and orderly manner. The polling stations were
opened on time, the polling staff were easily identifiable and worked
diligently and thus avoided long lines and unnecessary waiting for the voters.
In almost all polling stations, party agents were also present.
The Observer Mission wishes to express its appreciation for the support
provided by the UN towards holding successful elections. The United Nations
Integrated Mission In Timor-Leste (UNMIT) security forces played a crucial role
in ensuring an incident-free polling day. The security services provided for
storage and the transportation of voting materials and physical security at
polling centres and stations have been invaluable.
The political parties who contested the elections also need to be thanked
for conducting their political campaigns within the set parameters of electoral
legislation, observing the Party Accord and the Code of Conduct, deploying
agents to polling stations, and contributing significantly to the conducting of
a peaceful poll in Timor-Leste.
Beyond Saturday, 30 June 2007 the critical phases of counting the ballots,
reconciling, and tallying are still to occur, wherefrom preliminary results can
be drawn. We are informed that in about eight districts counting has already
commenced without a hitch. Regarding the pre-election and election phases, the
South African Observer Mission to Timor-Leste was very impressed with the
preparations for and the manner in which voting proceeded on voting day.
We therefore declare that the conduct of the voting process was peaceful,
free and fair! The South African Observer Mission has no doubt that, if the
remaining critical phases are carried out with the same spirit and dedication
shown by all involved on voting day, the people of Timor-Leste are soon to have
a democratic Parliament of their choice! The South African Observer Mission is
composed of the following persons:
* Professor M Mchunu: Former Chief Electoral Officer (Leader of the
Delegation)
* Mr P Sibande: Member of Parliament (African National Congress)
* General B Holomisa: President of the United Democratic Movement
* Ms C Rakale: Communications Consultant
* Ms M Tsotsi: South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID)
* Dr S Fikeni: Chief Executive Officer (Heritage Council)
* Reverend G Moerane: South African Council of Churches (SACC)
* Reverend M Mphephu Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)
* Mr T Mraji: Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)
* Mr V Cebekhulu: Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)
* Mr C Snyman: Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)
* Ms D Balatseng: Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
* Mr M Mambukwe: South African Embassy in Indonesia (DFA)
* Ms T Mgxwati: Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
* Ms N Notutela: Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
* Ms F Rakiep: Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
30 June 2007
Source: SAPA
