Activities by Country
Print
This Page
E-mail This Page
|
QUICK FACTS: EAST TIMOR Size: 15,007 square kilometers Population: 1,084,971 Population below poverty line: 42 percent Religions: Roman Catholic, 90 percent; Muslim; Protestant; Hindu; Buddhist; animist Life expectancy: 66 years Languages: Tetum (official), Portuguese (official), Indonesian, English, and 15 other indigenous languages Ethnic groups: Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian), Papuan, small Chinese minority (Source: U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, World Factbook 2008) |
East Timor
The Carter Center has been closely involved with the birth of this first new nation of the 21st century. Building Hope It is very unusual for a nongovernmental organization to assist with the foundation of a new country. The Carter Center played such a role for the people of East Timor. Today, The Carter Center and East Timor are working together to establish a lasting and peaceful democracy.
Waging Peace The Carter Center has been closely involved with the birth of this first new nation of the 21st century. East Timor, with an estimated population of 800,000, is located off the northwestern coast of Australia. After four centuries of Portuguese rule, 24 years of Indonesian occupation, and two years of United Nations administration, East Timor gained independence on May 20, 2002.
During the U.N.-administered transition period, East Timor made progress toward consolidating democracy. With the support of the international community, East Timor has experienced two successful elections, drafted and ratified a constitution, and begun to create important institutions needed to establish a strong, sustainable democracy, including a formal legal system and active civil society. Further democratic development is now needed at all levels of government for East Timor to succeed as a democratic nation. It is the continuing responsibility of Timorese civil society and the elected government, with the full support of the international community, to work toward this end. The Carter Center began its involvement in East Timor in June 1999, when President Carter, leading an international observer mission for Indonesia's parliamentary elections, met with detained East Timorese leader Xanana Gusmao in Jakarta. The Carter Center then observed the 1999 public consultation, the 2001 Constituent Assembly elections, the constitution drafting process, and East Timor's first presidential election in 2002. The Center also worked to strengthen civil society through a small grants program and implemented a four-month project to strengthen communities and the rule of law. The 1999 Public Consultation In a June 1999 meeting with President Carter, independence leader Xanana Gusmao expressed his concerns for the safety of the East Timorese people during the consultation period and expressed his belief that international observation would be essential to the safe conduct of the ballot. Given East Timor's long history of oppression and the presence of pro-integration militia, there was concern that militia would create an atmosphere of intimidation prior to the vote. The Carter Center mission, therefore, focused on monitoring the political and security environment prior to, during, and after balloting. After receiving an invitation from Indonesian President Habibie, The Carter Center was accredited as the first international observer group and opened an office in July in East Timor's capital of Dili. By mid-July, the Center had deployed a team of eight long-term observers to East Timor to begin monitoring the Aug. 30 public consultation. In its observation, the Center conducted an intensive human rights fact-finding campaign due to concern that human rights violations might occur during the voting process. From July through October 1999, the Center issued press statements and weekly public reports, assessing the security environment and adherence to human rights standards. These reports received wide local and international attention and provided critical and neutral information to the United Nations, other policy-makers, and the press. Public statements by President Carter helped to rally international condemnation of human rights abuses taking place. In the face of continuing violent repression designed to subvert the ballot, the Center observed a high voter turnout on Aug. 30, in which Timorese voted overwhelmingly for independence from Indonesia. Following announcement of the consultation results, East Timorese pro-integration militia, supported and directed by Indonesian military, launched a full-scale, deliberate campaign of violence. Many lives were lost, many East Timorese were forced to flee into West Timor, and East Timor's physical infrastructure was almost destroyed. The Carter Center left East Timor in early September due to the violence. Post-public Consultation Assessments and Monitoring Carter Center staff were then deployed to Jakarta, Indonesia, and Darwin, Australia, to continue to monitor the postelection situation. The Center re-established its field presence in October and remained in the territory through December 1999. A December 1999 assessment team found public institutions being strengthened and citizen groups forming to lay the foundation for a sustainable, democratic East Timor. Democracy Program Director Charles Costello testified to the U.S. Congress on the Center's findings. He encouraged the U.S. government to support initiatives to promote democratic development as well as infrastructure and economic development. In May 2000, Costello returned to the territory to meet with key U.N. Transitional Administration in East Timor personnel and representatives of international aid agencies and nongovernmental organizations to assess the status of the transition process. An assessment team traveled to the territory in November 2000 to assess plans for the national elections and constitutional drafting processes. They found that most political parties remained personality-based and had yet to develop party platforms, security concerns remained relating to the competition between political parties, and the development of the voters list faced difficulties. 2001 Constituent Assembly Elections and Constitution Drafting Process The Center deployed 29 observers to monitor the August 2001 Constituent Assembly elections, under the leadership of former Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Michael Samore and U.S. Rep. Eni F. H. Faleomavaega of American Samoa. On election day, the Center's 11 teams visited 49 polling centers in 12 districts. The Carter Center's election observation focused on the pre-election political and security environment, looking specifically at whether the process provided a level playing field giving candidates equal opportunity to voice their views and whether the opportunity existed for the genuine expression of the will of the electorate. On Aug. 30, 2001, the Center again witnessed high voter turnout as East Timorese elected an 88-member Constituent Assembly of national and district representatives tasked with drafting the emerging democracy's constitution. While the Center reported about concerns of inflammatory rhetoric from the political parties, these concerns were addressed. On election day, the Center found that the U.N.-administered elections were calm and peaceful with no major irregularities at the polls. "The election serves as an example to other countries in the Pacific region and the rest of the world that are working to strengthen democratic public institutions in the face of serious challenges," Rep. Faleomavaega said. The Carter Center worked with domestic observer groups as it monitored political party development during the constitution drafting. In early March, the Center deployed two delegates to observe the weeklong public consultation on the draft constitution. The Center remained concerned about the lack of input from civil society, the transparency of decision-making, and time constraints that may have negatively impacted the drafting process. 2002 Presidential Election On April 14, 2002, East Timorese again went to the polls, this time to elect their first president. The Carter Center delegation observed a remarkably high voter turnout on election day. In contrast to the previous two elections, Carter Center observers found East Timorese to be very familiar with both the process of voting and the purpose of the ballot. The presidential election also was conducted with greater participation of East Timorese at all levels compared to other elections, from polling officials to electoral commissioners. Strengthening Communities and Rule of Law From December 2001 through March 2002, the Center implemented a project to strengthen the links between communities, local organizations, and the police and the courts in East Timor. The project sought to promote good governance, accountability of public institutions through the dissemination of public information to citizens, and the work of local organizations at the grassroots level. The Center also conducted several one-day training workshops addressing rule of law and rights, civilian policing in East Timor, police authority, and the role of local organizations in promoting a positive relationship between police and citizens. Strengthening Civil Society As a component of its overall program to support the growth of democracy in East Timor, The Carter Center administered several small grants to East Timorese nongovernmental organizations in an effort to contribute to building a stronger civil society. Through these small grants, the Center supported the establishment of the Association of Men Against Violence and supported two women's civic education workshops in Dili district organized by the Grupo Feto Foin Sae Timor Lora Sae. The Center's work in East Timor has been funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives, the government of Portugal, and the Ford Foundation. Monitoring the 2007 Parliamentary Elections In March 2007, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste issued an open invitation to interested countries, agencies, and organizations to observe and assist the electoral process. A Carter Center representative met with political parties, civil society, and domestic observers in April 2007, all of whom encouraged international observers from the Center to help build confidence in the elections. The Carter Center launched an international observation mission for Timor-Leste's parliamentary elections with the deployment of long-term observers (LTOs) in provinces around the country in early June 2007. Eight LTOs monitored the campaign period leading up to the parliamentary election. They were joined by short-term observers closer to election day to observe voting and counting procedures. Center observers visited 12 districts during the parliamentary election campaign and the 15-member delegation observed polling and counting in eight districts. Carter Center observers found that polling stations were very well organized and electoral workers carried out their responsibilities competently and professionally. Observers reported only isolated irregularities during the conduct of the poll that were unlikely to affect the overall success of the vote. This was the first parliamentary election to be administered solely by Timorese officials. The majority of Timor-Leste voters participated in an orderly and peaceful June 30 parliamentary election. The administration of these elections was very well-executed, bearing testimony to the hard work of election officials and the determination of Timorese citizens to ensure their country remains on the democratic path chosen at independence. The Center acknowledges the important contribution and support of United Nations Integrated Mission In Timor-Leste and United Nations Development Programme to the electoral process. A field office in Dili is managing the Center's mission to monitor the parliamentary elections and will remain open through July 2007. The Carter Center will continue to observe the district counting and national tabulation until complete. Election Reports Timor-Leste Parliamentary Election Democratic and Peaceful, Carter Center Preliminary Statement (English and Teturn), July 3, 2007 The majority of Timor-Leste voters participated in an orderly and peaceful June 30 parliamentary election. The administration of these elections was very well executed, bearing testimony to the hard work of election officials and the determination of Timorese citizens to ensure their country remains on the democratic path chosen at independence. Carter Center to Observe Parliamentary Elections in Timor-Leste, June 21, 2007 The Carter Center will increase its international observation presence surrounding Timor-Leste's June 30 parliamentary elections by sending a larger delegation to join long-term observers, who have been deployed throughout the country since early June. A field office in Dili will remain open through July 2007. East Timor Political and Election Observation Project (PDF), April 1, 2004 Final Project Report: The East Timor Political and Election Observation Project, The Carter Center, Special Report Series. Postelection Statement on East Timor Elections, April 15, 2002 The Carter Center observers witnessed a successful election day in an election that clearly met international standards for freeness and fairness. In the postelection period, democratic development will be needed at all levels of government down to the grass roots if East Timor is to succeed as a democratic nation. It is the responsibility of Timorese civil society and the elected government, with the full support of the international community, to work toward this end. Postelection Statement on East Timor Elections, April 12, 2002 The Carter Center reopened a field office in East Timor in May 2001 for the long-term observation of the Aug. 30, 2001, Constituent Assembly elections and the subsequent constitution drafting process. Carter Center long-term observers were deployed again to East Timor in March 2002 to monitor the pre-electoral environment in the lead-up to the territory's first presidential elections scheduled to take place April 14, 2002. Short-term advisers also have arrived and been deployed, with a delegation of 15 observers who will cover 11 districts on election day. Center observers have visited 12 of the 13 districts in East Timor, meeting with representatives of political parties, East Timorese nongovernmental groups, domestic monitoring groups, and community members in the 12 districts. The following is a summary report of observer findings. Postelection Statement on East Timor Elections, Sept. 1, 2001 We would like to commend the people of Timor Lorosa'e for their massive and peaceful participation in the Aug. 30 elections and congratulate the Independent Electoral Commission and the U.N. Transitional Administration in East Timor, which worked hard for an efficient and peaceful electoral process. Postelection Statement on East Timor Elections, Aug. 31, 2001 The calm, peaceful, orderly voting and extremely high voter turnout yesterday were impressive signs of the Timorese people's determination to exercise their right to democratic self-government. Pre-election Statement on East Timor Elections, Aug. 23, 2001 Carter Center observers have monitored the pre-election environment in East Timor since June 2001. Final Report on the 1999 Public Consultation Process in East Timor (PDF) Observing the 1999 Public Consultation Process in East Timor, Final Report. Transition to a Democratic and Independent East Timor: Statement by The Carter Center to the U.S. Congress, 2000 Statement by Charles E. Costello, the Carter Center's Democracy Program director, to the Joint Hearing of the House and Senate on East Timor. Postelection Statement on East Timor Elections, Sept. 22, 1999 The carefully planned campaign of violence and terror carried out by the Indonesian security forces and their militia surrogates in East Timor and in West Timor over the past several weeks has spread throughout Indonesia. Postelection Statement on East Timor Elections, Sept. 13, 1999 The Carter Center is encouraged by the decision of the Indonesian government to allow the deployment of an international peacekeeping force in East Timor. However, the Indonesian military and police, with the assistance of their militia surrogates, continue to murder and terrorize the people of East Timor, destroying buildings and infrastructure and forcibly expelling tens of thousands of unarmed civilians from the territory. Postelection Statement on East Timor Elections, Sept. 6, 1999 The Carter Center has been forced by militia attacks in East Timor to evacuate its remaining three international staff members from the territory. Their reports from Jakarta of the events they witnessed just prior to leaving the East Timor capital of Dili conclusively show complicity of Indonesian forces, both police and military, with the armed gangs terrorizing and displacing the local East Timorese populace. This includes militias' efforts to drive international observers, journalists, and U.N. staff out of East Timor. Postelection Statement on East Timor Elections, Sept. 1, 1999 The popular consultation on the future of East Timor, held Aug. 30, 1999, was marred by numerous instances of intimidation and violence prior to the vote. Nevertheless, on balloting day, eligible voters turned out in impressively large numbers – more than 95 percent according to preliminary reports – to express their opinion in a well-administered and largely peaceful exercise. Pre-election Statement on East Timor Elections, Aug. 22, 1999 Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center are closely monitoring the popular consultation process on autonomy in East Timor. Ten Carter Center observers have been traveling throughout East Timor since July 4 to assess preparations for the vote, the security environment, and the fairness of the campaign, while remaining strictly neutral and nonpartisan. The following is the sixth in a series of weekly reports to be issued by The Carter Center observer mission before and after the consultation. Pre-election Statement on East Timor Elections, Aug. 16, 1999 Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center are closely monitoring the popular consultation process on autonomy in East Timor. Ten Carter Center observers have been traveling throughout East Timor since July 4 to assess preparations for the vote, the security environment, and the fairness of the campaign, while remaining strictly neutral and nonpartisan. The following is the fifth in a series of weekly reports to be issued by The Carter Center observer mission before and after the consultation. Pre-election Statement on East Timor Elections, Aug. 8, 1999 Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center are closely monitoring the public consultation process on autonomy in East Timor through neutral, nonpartisan observers assessing preparations for the vote, the security environment, and the fairness of the campaign. Following is the second in a series of weekly reports to be issued by The Carter Center observer mission before and after the consultation Pre-election Statement on East Timor Elections, Aug. 1, 1999 Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center are closely monitoring the public consultation process on autonomy in East Timor. The Carter Center opened an office in Dili on July 4. Pre-election Statement on East Timor Elections, July 25, 1999 Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center are closely monitoring the public consultation process on autonomy in East Timor through neutral, nonpartisan observers assessing preparations for the vote, the security environment, and the fairness of the campaign. Following is the second in a series of weekly reports to be issued by The Carter Center observer mission before and after the consultation. Pre-election Statement on East Timor Elections, July 17, 1999 Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center are closely monitoring the public consultation process on autonomy in East Timor. The Center opened an office with two observers in Dili on July 4. |
RSS Feeds
Podcasts