UN security official in Timor-Leste praises police efforts in recent elections

The senior United Nations law and order official in Timor-Leste today travelled outside the capital to meet with police as part of efforts to consolidate stability in the wake of elections and ahead of the next round of polls.

“Smooth elections do not come naturally or accidentally but because of your hard work,” said Eric Tank, the Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Security Sector Support and Rule of Law, addressing representatives from the UN Police and their Timorese counterparts in Liquica district.

“We depend on your continued assistance to ensure that the upcoming elections remain free of violence,” Mr. Tan said.

Earlier this month, Timor-Leste held its first elections since gaining independence from Indonesia in 2002, and a run-off between the two leading presidential candidates is scheduled for 9 May.

Mr. Tan urged officers to be on the alert for incidents of intimidation ahead of the polls. “Voting is the right of every individual,” he said, adding, “intimidation is an offence that could lead to arrest.”

Above all, he said the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) must ensure that no such incidents occur within their ranks.

In addition to the 9 May presidential run-off, parliamentary elections are scheduled for later this year.