Financed by the European Union, the project “For Democratic and Inclusive Elections in Timor-Leste” has two years duration and will be implemented in the 14 municipalities of Timor-Leste. PITL and the CSOs will work directly with Government institutions, namely staff of the National Electoral Commission (CNE) and the Technical Secretariat for Election Administration (STAE), community radio stations, women, in particular politicians from the National Parliament, youth and people with disabilities, to improve the democratic process and promote inclusive participation of voters in the elections.

The local CSOs will work to ensure inclusivity and the participation of the most marginalised groups in the electoral process. Furthermore, the CSOs will aim to respond to the challenges identified in previous elections and to support actions to implement the recommendations from the 2022 EU Election Mission Observations report, which particularly highlights the importance of youth engagement in the democratic processes.

The action focuses on the needs and constraints that Timorese civil society faces to consolidate democracy and elections in Timor-Leste. It will offer trainings, coaching, mentoring and mutual learning to:

• Create better conditions for participation in the electoral process and help develop effective policies to protect against discrimination;
• Promote access and disseminate information to Timorese voters at community level, using radio programmes;
• Remove barriers to allow people with disabilities to vote;
• Strengthen women and youth ability to vote and participate in political decision-making.

“The European Union is committed to support democracy and human rights in Timor-Leste. We are empowering civil society action to reinforce the efforts of the Timorese government and people to build a strong and sustainable democracy. Let us embrace our civic duty, raise thoughtful questions, and work together to create a brighter future through the power of free and fair elections,” expressed HE Mr. Marc Fiedrich, the EU Ambassador to Timor-Leste.

“On behalf of the Plan International Timor-Leste (PITL) team and our CSO partners, including ADTL, Belun, JPIC, Pátria, MOFFE & Caucus, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the European Union for providing the financial support to the project implementation in 14 municipalities. Also, I would like to appreciate government institutions such as CNE & STAE for their support to the project development process and will continue to support the project implementation. This project will contribute to the inclusive participation in elections in Timor-Leste,” said Interim Country Director of PITL, Mrs. Fátima Estrela Soares.