East Timor Assembly signs into force first-ever constitution as UN applauds move

After six months of drafting, consultation, and debate, East Timor’s Constituent Assembly today signed into force the territory’s first-ever constitution, a move that was hailed by the top United Nations official in the territory as a “founding act” of a new nation.

The 170-article constitution was officially approved by a nominal role call this morning, with 72 of the 88 Assembly members voting in favour and 14 against. One member abstained while another was absent.

This afternoon each of the 88 members signed the constitution at a ceremony attended by UNTAET chief Sergio Vieira de Mello, his deputy, Dennis McNamara, presidential candidates Xanana Gusmão and Xavier do Amaral (who is also a Deputy Speaker of the Assembly), government officials, diplomats and representatives of civil society.

"We have just witnessed and participated in the founding act of this new state," Mr. Vieira de Mello said in a speech to the Assembly after the signing ceremony. "I would like to publicly pay my most sincere homage to the members of this Assembly for their excellent work. The people of East Timor and the international community recognize and commend the personal dedication that you have given to this task. Congratulations!"

The constitution was debated and approved between 3 December 2001 and early February. A number of articles were subsequently amended to reflect suggestions made by UNTAET, the East Timor Government, civil society, and the population at-large.