Videos: Voice

Poet Cancio 'Cassimata' Ximenes expresses a Timorese concept of forgiveness

On 30 August 1999 the people of Timor-Leste expressed their vision to become an independent nation when they voted against accepting special autonomy within Indonesia. Since that act of self-determination, their voices have grown stronger. No longer afraid to express themselves in their own country, the nation's community leaders, poets, singers, painters, graffiti artists and others voiced their pain, anger, ideas and aspirations. Timorese poet Cancio 'Cassimata' Ximenes recites his poem Asking for Forgiveness.

Promoting gender equality a priority in Timor-Leste

Since 2002, Timor-Leste has instituted legislation and policies to strengthen gender equality. The Parliamentary Election Law says at least one in every three parliamentary candidates must be a woman. In 2012, women held 38 per cent of the seats in Timor-Leste's national parliament. This is the highest level of female representation in the Asia Pacific region and one of the highest in the world. Idelta Maria Rodrigues, Secretary of State for the Promotion of Equality discusses women's leadership in the country.

Challenges remain for women's equality in Timor-Leste Since 2002

When Timor-Leste formed its first government, women have made great progress in public life. Many now hold important positions in the government, in parliament and in civil society. However, many women, especially those living in rural areas, lag behind in the area of socio-economic development. Retta Reddy, Senior Gender Adviser at UNMIT, discusses the progress and challenges ahead for gender equality in Timor-Leste.

Mobile polling stations allow Timorese prisoners to vote

As a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Timor-Leste ensures that the right of prisoners to vote is respected. During the 2012 presidential elections, teams from the Technical Secretariat for Electoral Support set up mobile polling booths in Becora Prison and Gleno prisons.

Timor-Leste's Youth Parliament gives a voice to future leaders

Timor-Leste's Youth Parliament is a forum where young Timorese women and men can have their voices heard. It promotes civic participation and serves as a training ground for future leaders. The 130 young participants represent their communities for two years. During this time, they learn leadership skills and contribute to the national dialogue on issues that concern them. Young people who were set back by the breakdown of infrastructure and systems as children now have a means to express their needs and shape their future.

Timor-Leste certifies persons with disabilities as election observers

More than six per cent of the Timorese population has a disability. For the first time, Timor-Leste certified and registered persons with disabilities as election observers in 2012. They monitored the presidential election run-offs in March and April and the parliamentary elections in July in the capital Dili and in four districts. In addition to election monitoring, the observers made recommendations for improving access so that all Timorese can exercise their democratic rights.

Civic education campaign in Timor-Leste, 2012

Timor-Leste conducted a nationwide civic education campaign to encourage people from all sectors of society to participate in the democratic elections for President and Parliament in 2012.