CIAO DATE: 02/05

East Timor Political and Election Observation Project: Final Project Report

On May 20, 2002, the Democratic Republic of East Timor became this century’s first new nation. The Carter Center is proud to have been closely involved with the birth of this new nation. The Center first supported East Timorese efforts to choose freely between independence and special autonomy within Indonesia in the historic public consultation held in August 1999.

Then in May 2001 the Center reopened a field office in East Timor to begin implementation of a long-term political and election observation project for the territory’s transition to independence. The Center focused specifically on assessing the political environment for the Aug. 30, 2001, Constituent Assembly election, the subsequent constitution drafting process, and the April 14, 2002, presidential election. This is a report of the Center’s work in support of these events. The Center deployed long- and short-term observers to East Timor prior to both the Constituent Assembly and presidential elections. Each short-term team was led by senior political leaders or Carter Center staff that met with East Timorese and U.N. leaders to discuss Carter Center findings, concerns, and recommendations. Election assessment missions to the territory were conducted prior to both elections. The field office director monitored the constitution drafting process, and with one additional observer, examined a public consultation on the draft constitution.

The Center’s observation program assessed how political and civil society leaders, as well as voters, embraced and adhered to the principles and values of democracy in the context of the conduct of the Constituent Assembly and presidential elections and constitution drafting exercise. Carter Center observers focused specifically on the security situation; behavior of and relationship between the parties and candidates; citizens' knowledge of the electoral process; the role of domestic observers and political party agents in each election; and women’s political participation in the transition. As this was a U.N.- administered election, the Center also looked at East Timorese involvement in and understanding of the various elements of the election process. Through constant interaction with UNTAET and government officials, nongovernmental organizations, domestic observer groups, and other East Timorese members of society and through the release of public statements, The Carter Center supported and informed the transition process.

Part 1 (PDF, 4 pages, 3.38 MB)

Part 2 (PDF, 18 pages, 1.87 MB)

Part 3 (PDF, 28 pages, 1.88 MB)

Part 4 (PDF, 20 pages, 2.00 MB)

Part 5 (PDF, 8 pages, 2.07 MB)