East Timor Parliamentary Elections

It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the newly elected members of East Timor’s parliament. According to the final result, announced on 11 July, Fretilin has obtained 21 seats, followed by CNRT with 18 seats, ASDT/PSD with 11 seats, PD with eight seats, PUN with three seats, the Democratic Alliance with two seats and UNDERTIM with two seats.

Given that no party obtained a simple majority, parties will need to form a coalition to form government. I encourage all parties to take a constructive approach to this process to ensure East Timor has an effective and unified government that can move ahead with resolving East Timor’s challenges.

I commend all parties which contested the election for their campaigns and acceptance of the outcome. After the unrest of just twelve months ago, the successful running of this election indicates significant progress and augurs well for East Timor’s future. The high level of voter participation – approximately 81 per cent –demonstrates the commitment of East Timor’s people to their country’s democratic future. I note that over 500 observers from 15 countries and international organisations, including Australia, were in East Timor for the elections and overwhelmingly characterised the elections as peaceful, fair and democratic.

I would also like to pay tribute to the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) and the Australia-led International Security Force (ISF) for their roles in maintaining security and supporting East Timor’s transition to democracy.

Australia looks forward to working closely and cooperatively with the new parliament and Government of East Timor.

Media Inquiries: Mr Downer's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555