Timor-Leste

In June 1999, the Indonesian president invited The Carter Center to monitor East Timor’s vote on independence. The Center deployed eight long-term observers to focus on the volatile political and security environment before, during, and after the vote. This was the first of four elections we observed, the others being in 2001, 2002, and 2007. 

Our Work and Methods

After the people of East Timor cast their ballots overwhelmingly for independence in 1999, escalating violence forced the Center’s observers to flee. They continued to monitor the situation remotely, and returned in October to East Timor, where they remained through December 1999. 

In 2001, we monitored elections for the constituent assembly and observed a weeklong public consultation on the draft constitution. 

In April 2002, voters went to the polls to elect their first president, and we sent a team to observe the smooth process. 

Then, in June 2007, a delegation from the Center observed an orderly and peaceful parliamentary election. 

More information about all of these elections is available in our publications section. 

Throughout the postelection violence in 1999 and beyond, The Carter Center supported East Timor in designing and building a democratic society.

Our Work and Methods

We implemented a project to promote good governance, accountability of public institutions, and the work of local organizations at the grassroots level. 

We also conducted one-day training workshops on the rule of law and gave small grants to local nongovernmental organizations.

Impacts

With the support of The Carter Center and the international community, Timor-Leste has: 

• Experienced successful elections
• Drafted and ratified a constitution
• Created vital institutions needed to establish a strong, sustainable democracy, including a formal legal system and active, engaged civil society

This project ended in 2007.