Ballot distribution begins ahead of Timor-Leste elections – UN

The UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) today reported that the distribution of ballot papers for this weekend’s parliamentary elections has begun in both the capital Dili and the main towns of the country’s 13 districts.

Working in cooperation with the Timorese Secretariat for Electoral Administration, the ballot papers are being transported from Dili and other district capitals to the more than 700 polling stations and 520 polling centres by helicopters, vehicles and horses with porters.

A total of 652,000 ballot papers will be distributed throughout the country and a reserve will be stored in all districts to deal with contingencies.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in a video message released ahead of the elections, called on candidates and their supporters “to react to the results in a peaceful manner, and to raise any concerns they may have about the process through the appropriate legal channels.”

Mr. Ban recalled the recent success in the presidential elections of April and May. “I was moved by the graceful transfer of responsibility from the first President to his successor, through the freely expressed will of the people,” he said.

He pledged the UN’s continued support for the Timorese as they “consolidate the foundations of democratic governance to ensure enduring stability and development.”

The election is for 65 members of Parliament to serve five-year terms.