East Timor
East Timor Elections
The EU Election Observation Mission (EOM)
The European Commission adopted a decision to fund an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to observe the first Presidential election in East Timor on 14 April 2002. John Bowis MEP was named the EU’s Chief Observer.
Following the end of the election observation, John Bowis authored the final report of the mission which was sent to the EU Council of Ministers, the European Parliament and the European Commission where it was highly received. In addition, the report was sent to the government and community of East Timor and the key UN agencies that have been working there. The report can be read here.
What happened?
Following the Constituent Assembly Elections in 2001, the first Presidential Election on 14 April 2002 marked an important step for East Timor on its path to independent statehood. While this election took place under the auspices of the UN Transitional Administration for East Timor (UNTAET), many powers and functions have been devolved to Timorese authorities.
What is the role of the EU?
The elected President, one of two nominated candidates, took office on Independence Day, 20 May 2002. The EU sent observers in response to an invitation from the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello. The purpose of the EUEOM was to assess the electoral process, to deter possible abuses through its very presence and to strengthen public confidence in the election. EC financial support to a multilateral civic and voter education programme aims at promoting sustainable democracy in East Timor. Funding for the EUEOM and civic education projects amounts to € 510,000.
What did the EUEOM do?
The EUEOM covered the whole election period, including the electoral campaign starting on 15 March, the ballot, the count, the announcement of results and their certification. The Mission consisted of a Core Team with four experts, four Long-Term Observers (LTOs) and 20 Short-Term Observers (STOs), drawn from the Member States.
….and John Bowis?
John Bowis MEP has also taken part in UN missions before, observing voter registration in Namibia and the independence referendum in Eritrea.
John Bowis with the Speaker of the East Timorese Parliament (photo: Leon Howe).
Where can I find more information?
Further details about the EOM and its activities are available here.
More details about the EU’s support for East Timor are available at: http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/east_timor/index.htm.
John talking to East Timor's Ambassador to Belgium and the European Communities (2004).
East Timor Elections Press Releases
• Wednesday 17 April 2002:
A result in which we can have full confidence.
• Sunday 14 April 2002:
EU Chief Observer says Polling Day proceedings are “impressive”.
• Thursday 11 April 2002:
Warning by EU Chief Observer on election allegations.
• Monday 8 April 2002:
Initial assessment.
