As East Timor votes in parliamentary elections today, Msgr. Da Silva denounces the “failure” of historic national political figures, and outlines the need for “regeneration” within the government, the only hope the country has in overcoming political instability.

Dili (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Timor East is in need of political “regeneration”, particularly at the head of government if it hopes to overcome current political and social instability.   This was the suggestion launched by Archbishop Alberto Ricardo da Silva of Dili, as voters in the young state head to the urns to elect a new parliament today.  “The current main political players have to go – the prelate told South China Morning Post – they have failed.  Now we need new leaders with technical skills and experience”.

 

Out of the 14 parties presenting themselves for election, the main challenge rests between two formations: CNRT (National Congress for the Reconstruction of East Timor) the new coalition led by ex president, Xanana Gusmao, hero in the fight for independence from Indonesia and Fretilin, in power since 2001 and led by his rival Mari Alkatiri. According to observers, neither party will gain absolute majority.  Thus the premier along with key ministers will probably be chosen only after inter-party negotiations.

 

The Archbishop of Dili clarifies his position by outlining the past few years of Fretilin power: “the situation has gone from bad to worse.  Poverty is very high and the people are suffering”. On the other hand the remaining parties seem to offer little prospective of change: “The other parties have little capacity ….their leaders came to see me, but I see nothing in what they offer that can change the situation”. Msgr. da Silva places his trust in the National Unity Party led by Fernanda Borges: “I don’t think they can win now, but it is good that people are starting to appreciate that there is an alternative”.

 

East Timor is Asia’s youngest and poorest nation: almost half of its labour force is unemployed, about 60% of its children malnourished and the average monthly income is below a dollar a day.  For 24 years the island was occupied by Indonesia, until in 1999 a referendum promoted by the UN decreed its independence.

 

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