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Elections in Timor-Leste a milestone for peace consolidation, says Security Council

Voter casts her ballot in the second round of the Presidential Elections.
UN Photo/B. Soares
Voter casts her ballot in the second round of the Presidential Elections.

Elections in Timor-Leste a milestone for peace consolidation, says Security Council

The Security Council has welcomed the second round of presidential elections in Timor-Leste calling it “an important milestone for the consolidation of peace and stability” in the country, as well as a reflection of the commitment of its people to democracy and the rule of law.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday night, Council members commended the national electoral authorities and all those responsible for the successful management of the elections, including the National Police Force (PNTL), “for their role in ensuring an orderly and calm environment throughout the electoral process.”

On 16 April, Francisco Guterres faced off against Jose Maria de Vasconcelos, following the first voting round which was held on 17 March. According to media reports, official election results named Mr. de Vasconcelos as the nation’s new president.

The members of the Council also expressed their appreciation for the support provided by the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) during the election process. Electoral assistance, institutional development and capacity-building of the PNTL are part of the peacekeeping mission’s main tasks until its anticipated departure on 31 December this year from the Asian nation.

In addition to congratulating Timor-Leste’s people for the peaceful, smooth and orderly manner in which the elections were conducted, the Council members said it looks forward to the holding of parliamentary elections on 7 July.