2012 East Timorese parliamentary election

{{See also|IV Constitutional Government of Timor-Leste|2012 East Timorese presidential election}}

After the severe unrest of 2006, the Australian-led International Stabilization Force (ISF) and the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) had restored peace and order in the country. An assassination attempt on February 11, 2008, against President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão resulted in the death of rebel leader Alfredo Reinado. The rebel movement subsequently collapsed. Those of its members who had been convicted of involvement in the assassination were pardoned by President Ramos-Horta in 2010. In March 2011, the Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL) resumed full responsibility for security in the country. ISF and UNMIT plan to leave in 2012 after presidential and parliamentary elections have been held.{{Cite web |title=UN on Track to End East Timor Peacekeeping Mission in 2012 |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/un-on-track-to-end-east-timor-peacekeeping-mission-in-2012-122932588/140177.html |access-date=2022-12-18 |website=VOA |date=31 May 2011 |language=en}}

The country had largely stabilized, but there were sporadic clashes between various {{ill|Gangs in Timor-Leste|de|Bandenwesen in Osttimor|lt=martial arts groups and youth gangs}}, during which houses were also burned down, most recently in Comoro and in 2011 in Zumalai and Luro. In addition, the veterans' organization CPD-RDTL caused unrest through ongoing protests. The local elections on October 9, 2009, passed off without major incidents.

Fretilin, the country's largest party, was in opposition to the five-party government coalition Aliança da Maioria Parlamentar (AMP), which included the National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT), Democratic Party (PD), Timorese Social Democratic Association (ASDT), Social Democratic Party (PSD) and UNDERTIM. Because Fretilin, the largest parliamentary group, did not participate in the government, it accused the government of unconstitutionality throughout the legislative period. In addition, several members of the government were suspected of corruption, but this could not be confirmed in any case. On June 8, however, Justice Minister Lúcia Lobato (PSD) was sentenced to five years in prison for mismanagement of funds.{{Cite web |title=Radio Australia: Former East Timor justice minister receives jail sentence |url=http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2012-06-08/former-east-timor-justice-minister-receives-jail-sentence/957944 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610200838/http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2012-06-08/former-east-timor-justice-minister-receives-jail-sentence/957944 |archive-date=10 June 2012 |access-date=2022-12-18 |website=Radio Australia |language=en-AU}}

Several parties had to cope with splits and internal factional struggles. The reform wing of Fretilin, led by Deputy Prime Minister José Luís Guterres, split off as Frenti-Mudança. There were internal power struggles in KOTA, UNDERTIM was internally divided, and a deputy from the National Unity Party (PUN) resigned and now sat in Parliament as an independent deputy. The ASDT deputies fell out with their base. While the party signed a declaration of alliance with Fretilin, ASDT parliamentarians threatened that they would continue to work with Prime Minister Gusmão if the party left the governing coalition. The previous ASDT president Francisco Xavier do Amaral had health problems and saw his office threatened by Tourism Minister Gil da Costa Alves, who was elected executive president in August 2011. However, his election was reversed by Timor-Leste's Supreme Court. On March 5, 2012, Amaral succumbed to cancer in Dili.{{Cite web |date=2015-02-08 |title=Leste Francisco Xavier do Amaral, o homem que declarou a independência do país (PERFIL) - Expresso.pt |url=http://expresso.sapo.pt/leste-francisco-xavier-do-amaral-o-homem-que-declarou-a-independencia-do-pais-perfil=f709433 |access-date=2022-12-18 |archive-date=8 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208034907/http://expresso.sapo.pt/leste-francisco-xavier-do-amaral-o-homem-que-declarou-a-independencia-do-pais-perfil=f709433 |url-status=bot: unknown }} The dispute continued to simmer between the faction around Alves, who is close to the coalition partner CNRT, and the former Amaral supporters around João Correia, whose faction supported José Ramos-Horta in the March 17, 2012 presidential election and wants to make him honorary chairman of the ASDT.[http://inside.org.au/timor-leste-the-parliamentary-campaign-begins/ Michael Leach: Timor-Leste: the parliamentary campaign begins, Inside Story, 8 June 2012], retrieved on 18 December 2022.

File:Former president José Ramos-Horta at a campaign in Dili, July 2012.jpg

There was a dispute in the PD over the formation of the government. MPs from the western part of the country (Loro Munu) felt that regional proportional representation was not guaranteed and that PD politicians from the east (Loro Sae) were favoured in the formation of the cabinet. The dispute was settled with the appointment of Adriano do Nascimento as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. In exchange, the western-born PD MP Lucas da Costa stood in the 2012 presidential elections, in which his eastern-born party leader Fernando de Araújo also contested. Araújo eventually came fourth with 17.30%, while Costa received only 0.83% of the vote. Both were thus eliminated in the first round of the presidential elections, as was the incumbent President Ramos-Horta with 17.48%.[http://www.cne.tl/includes/publications/Rezultadu%20definitivo%20primeira%20volta%20eleizaun%20presidencial.pdf CNE: Rezultadu definitivo primeira eleisaun presidencial, 26 March 2012]{{dead link|archivebot=2019-05-06 04:56:39 InternetArchiveBot|date=May 2019|url=http://www.cne.tl/includes/publications/Rezultadu%20definitivo%20primeira%20volta%20eleizaun%20presidencial.pdf}} After the presidential election, Ramos-Horta, who, unlike the previous time, had not received the support of the CNRT in the elections, announced that he would work with the PD in the parliamentary elections. Later, he also pledged his support to the ASDT. If the votes of La Sama and Ramos-Horta in the presidential elections were added together, one could expect a 35% share of the vote in the general elections for the PD, which would make it the strongest force in the new parliament, ahead of Fretilin and CNRT. However, this was not certain, as La Sama had also received more votes in the last elections than his party would later. It was also unclear whether the PD would again form a coalition with the CNRT or, in contrast to its previous negative stance, with Fretilin.{{Cite web |url=http://www.thediliweekly.com/en/editorial/editorial-corner/1117 |title=Damien Kingsbury: Assessing the numbers in Timor-Leste's elections, The Dili insider, 30 March 2012 |access-date=20 December 2022 |archive-date=8 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108012213/http://www.thediliweekly.com/en/editorial/editorial-corner/1117 |url-status=bot: unknown }} In the case of a coalition government with PD participation, there was speculation about a Prime Minister position for Ramos-Horta. However, Ramos-Horta ruled out taking up any political office at the end of the election campaign. His political career was over, he declared.Independente: Horta: my political career in TL is finished, 4 July 2012.

According to the Constitution of Timor-Leste, even if coalition negotiations failed, a minority government under the strongest party would be possible if the president entrusted it with forming a government. But experts warn that in this case critics of the parliamentary system could intervene in the military.[Damien Kingsbury: Is East Timor's democratic consolidation a crocodile smile?, The Age, 6 July 2012], Retrieved on 20 December 2022

Xanana Gusmão and leading members of the PSD have been at loggerheads in recent years, with party leader Zacarias da Costa even threatening to resign as foreign minister by text message in 2010. Gusmão, for his part, insulted the Foreign Minister at a televised meeting of the Council of Ministers, exposing him.{{Cite web |url=http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/asia/south-east-asia/timor-leste/b134-timor-lestes-elections-leaving-behind-a-violent-past.pdf |title=International Crisis Group: Timor-Leste's Elections: Leaving Behind a Violent Past?, Update Briefing, Asia Briefing N°134, Dili/Jakarta/Brussels, 21 February 2012 |access-date=20 December 2022 |archive-date=3 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303121747/http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/asia/south-east-asia/timor-leste/b134-timor-lestes-elections-leaving-behind-a-violent-past.pdf |url-status=bot: unknown }} (PDF; 1,4 MB) Analysts could therefore also imagine an alliance between the PSD and Fretilin after the election. Frenti-Mudança was expected to form a coalition with the CNRT if necessary. Another potential coalition partner of the CNRT could be the new National Development Party (PDN), whose party leader Fernando Dias Gusmão comes from the PSD. The former PSD secretary-general had lost the 2008 election to party leader Zacarias da Costa and subsequently founded the PDN.

file:EU Electoral Observer Mission Timor Leste 2012.jpg

Each of the 645,624 eligible voters has one vote, which they can give to a party list. People are eligible to vote from the age of 17. Several parties can also run as a coalition with a joint list. A three-percent hurdle applies, which would mean about 18,000 votes in a 100% turnout. The election is held with closed lists. According to the share of the total votes, parties and coalitions receive seats in parliament, which are filled according to the order on the electoral list. Only registered parties and electoral alliances may draw up lists of candidates, but persons on the list need not belong to the party, which meant that independent candidates could also enter parliament. A total of 90 people must be on a party list, and the final 25 candidates are replacements for any retiring deputies.{{Cite web |title=IFES Election Guide {{!}} Elections: Timor-Leste Parl 2012 |url=https://www.electionguide.org/election.php?ID=2113 |access-date=2022-12-18 |website=www.electionguide.org}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.jornal.gov.tl/public/docs/2002_2005/leis_parlamento_nacional/6_2006.pdf |title=Election law 06/2006 |access-date=18 December 2022 |archive-date=4 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100304154629/http://www.jornal.gov.tl/public/docs/2002_2005/leis_parlamento_nacional/6_2006.pdf |url-status=dead }} (PDF; 812 kB) and {{Cite web |url=http://www.jornal.gov.tl/public/docs/2007/serie_1/serie1_no13.pdf |title=Changes in 06/2007 |access-date=18 December 2022 |archive-date=4 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100304155014/http://www.jornal.gov.tl/public/docs/2007/serie_1/serie1_no13.pdf |url-status=dead }} (Portuguese; PDF; 173 kB), Retrieved on 18 December 2022.

Registered parties receive state financial support from the National Electoral Commission (CNE) based on the proportion of seats won by the party in the national parliament. In 2011, for the first time, the total amount of funding for all parties in parliament was three million U.S. dollars, up from one million U.S. dollars annually. Parties that are not represented in parliament but are registered for the 2012 parliamentary elections will receive $30,000 from the CNE, and party coalitions will receive $45,000.{{Cite web |url=http://www.alp.org.au:6020/CMSPages/GetFile.aspx?nodeguid=db25b77b-6314-4351-b5c7-05c1a9500145 |title=Dennis Shoesmith: Political Parties and Groupings of Timor-Leste, Australian Labor International, October 2011, Chapter 3 |access-date=18 December 2022 |archive-date=7 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507150147/http://www.alp.org.au:6020/CMSPages/GetFile.aspx?nodeguid=db25b77b-6314-4351-b5c7-05c1a9500145 |url-status=bot: unknown }} (english)

All 65 members of the National Parliament were elected from a single nationwide constituency by party-list proportional representation voting. A party had to cross the electoral threshold of 3% to enter parliament and seats were distributed according to the d'Hondt method. Parties were required to submit lists with 65 candidates and at least 25 replacements. According to the electoral law, every fourth member on a party's list has to be a woman.

The ballots were printed in Kupang, Indonesia, in West Timor and brought to Timor-Leste by land. The reception at the border was greatly celebrated.[http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.461035027259871.117933.147158738647503&type=1 STAE on Facebook: Entrega Boletins de Voto na fronteira com Indonesia, 26 June 2012], retrieved at 18 December 2022. Voting took place in 880 polling stations and 640 polling centers. The polling stations were open between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The European Union sent 70 election observers and analysts to Timor-Leste.[EU Election Observation: EU Election Observation Mission to Timor-Leste 2012], retrieved 4 July 2012. Five parliamentarians are coming from New Zealand as observers.[https://archive.today/20130223044608/http://www.3news.co.nz/NZ-MPs-to-observe-East-Timors-elections/tabid/417/articleID/260115/Default.aspx 3news: NZ MPs to observe East Timor's elections, 4 July 2012], retrieved 4 July 2012. These include representatives from other countries and many non-governmental organizations. A total of 586 foreign and 2,618 national election observers were registered.{{cite web|title=Statistic of the STAE|periodical=|publisher=|url=http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/599321_474845245878849_1350111304_n.jpg|format=|access-date=2016-02-04}}{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} In addition, there were 106 foreign and 112 local journalists.{{cite web|title=Statistik der STAE|periodical=|publisher=|url=http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/389098_474845315878842_1855733792_n.jpg|format=|access-date=2016-02-04}}{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

{{See also|List of political parties in Timor-Leste}}

File:Eleisaun Parlamentar 2012-2.jpg

On 12 May, the CNE drew lots for the order of parties and candidate lists on the ballot paper. The nationalist, pro-Indonesian Timorese Nationalist Party (PNT) and the traditional monarchist People's Party of Timor (PPT) did not submit their lists of candidates to the authorities by the deadline on 11 May and were therefore not admitted to the election.{{Cite web |date=2014-10-25 |title=CNE apresenta lista de partidos para as legislativas - Notícias SAPO - SAPO Notícias |url=http://noticias.sapo.tl/portugues/info/artigo/1242834.html |access-date=2022-12-20 |archive-date=25 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025015816/http://noticias.sapo.tl/portugues/info/artigo/1242834.html |url-status=dead }} Even the major parties Fretilin, CNRT and PD and five other parties submitted their list only on the last day.Radio e Televizaun de Timor-Leste: CNE will not receive candidate list from political parties, 14. Mei 2012. The PSD placed Lúcia Lobato second on its list before her conviction, which brought the party public criticism from its former leader Mário Viegas Carrascalão. The latter did not stand for re-election due to his state of health.

The internal division of the ASDT led to the party even submitting two electoral lists to the CNE. One by Tourism Minister Alves and one by João Correia. The Timor-Leste Supreme Court of Justice, Timor-Leste's Court of Appeal, ruled that only Correira's list met the required regularity of clearance by a party congress. As a result, none of the previous ASDT MP's and government members are on the list.[https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnx0aW1vcmxlc3RlZWxlY3Rpb25zMjAxMnxneDozMWNiYjU0YTExNTFkOGU3&pli=1 ASDT electoral list] (in Tetum), Retrieved at 20 December 2012.

The dispute was more complicated in the UNDERTIM, from which two electoral lists were also submitted by different party wings.Radio Timor-Leste: Court legalizes UNDERTIM's candidates list, 28 May 2012. The CNE again set an ultimatum, but the groups around party leader Cornelio Gama and General Secretary Reis Kadalak could not agree on a common list, which led to the exclusion of UNDERTIM from the elections on 1 June.{{Cite web |date=2014-03-05 |title=Centru Jornalista Investigativo Timor Leste. UNDERTIM La Partisipa Elpar 2012, 4 June 2012 |url=http://cjitlnoticias.sapo.tl/nasional/undertim-la-partisipa-elpar-20-205305 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305160741/http://cjitlnoticias.sapo.tl/nasional/undertim-la-partisipa-elpar-20-205305 |archive-date=5 March 2014 |access-date=2022-12-20 }} However, this was again withdrawn by the Court of Appeal on 4 June after the two UNDERTIM wings were able to agree on a common list.{{Cite web |date=6 July 2012 |title=CJITL: CNE Hein akordaun foun TR konaba lista UNDERTIM |url=https://www.sapo.pt/nasional/cne-hein-akordaun-foun-tr-kona-206075 }}{{cite web|title=STL online: UNDERTIM Rezolve Ona Problema Internal, 5 June 2012|periodical=|publisher=|url=http://www.suara-timor-lorosae.com/berita-13041-undertim-rezolve-ona-problema-internal.html|url-status=|access-date=2012-06-05|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203042118/http://www.suara-timor-lorosae.com/berita-13041-undertim-rezolve-ona-problema-internal.html|archive-date=2013-02-03|last=|date=|year=|language=|pages=|quote=}} A prominent UNDERTIM candidate is Angelita Pires, former presidential candidate and lover of the dead rebel leader Alfredo Reinado.{{Cite web |date=2012-07-06 |title=East Timor faces pivotal election - Irish Examiner {{!}} Simon Roughneen |url=https://www.simonroughneen.com/asia/seasia/east-timor/east-timor-faces-pivotal-election-irish-examiner/ |access-date=2022-12-20 |website=www.simonroughneen.com |language=en-GB}}

In the last election in 2007, seven parties failed to clear the three-percent hurdle. Six of them joined forces after the election to form the Progressive Democratic League (LDP) for better visibility. The result of this cooperation, however, was hardly registerable. This time, too, it was expected that the numerous newly formed parties would mostly not win a seat in parliament. The best chances were still given to Frenti-Mudança, PDN and the Kmanek Haburas Unidade Nasional Timor Oan (KHUNTO). KHUNTO had close ties to a martial arts group and its stronghold in Ainaro.

Despite the lack of polls, analysts assumed that either Fretilin or CNRT would lead a coalition government after the election, even though both parties had set themselves the goal of an absolute majority. The PD or PSD were expected to provide the majority, but they had lost considerable strength since the last elections.

In total, 21 political parties registered for the election. The campaign was focused on economic issues, particularly the country's $10.5 billion oil fund. Alongside the two main parties, CNRT and Fretilin, a further 19 parties and lists registered for the elections.{{cite web |url=http://www.portalangop.co.ao/motix/pt_pt/noticias/internacional/2012/4/20/Legislativas-Julho-com-partidos-coligacoes,d4374668-b010-4565-b071-4479dabf58d7.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418075042/http://www.portalangop.co.ao/motix/pt_pt/noticias/internacional/2012/4/20/Legislativas-Julho-com-partidos-coligacoes,d4374668-b010-4565-b071-4479dabf58d7.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 April 2023 |title=Angola Press - Internacional - Legislativas de 07 de Julho com 21 partidos e coligações |publisher=Portalangop.co.ao |date=14 May 2012 |accessdate=9 July 2012}}

The election campaign was focused on economic issues, particularly the question of what should be done with the country's oil fund, worth $10.5 billion. Other focuses in the election campaign were the fight against corruption, the development of infrastructure and ensuring peace and stability in the country.{{Cite web |last=Leach |first=Michael |date=6 July 2012 |title=Timor-Leste's political elites will have to play the long game |url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/opinion/timorlestes-political-elites-will-have-to-play-the-long-game-20120705-21k0k.html#ixzz1zqIM2fQZ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105082905/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/federal-politics/timorlestes-political-elites-will-have-to-play-the-long-game-20120705-21k0k.html#ixzz1zqIM2fQZ |archive-date=5 January 2016 |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=Canberra Times |language=en}} [https://www.easttimorlawandjusticebulletin.com/2012/07/timor-leste-political-elites-will-have.html Alt URL] The CNRT campaign pledged to increase the amount of money the fund contributed to the state budget beyond the existing 3% limit and to attract foreign loans for infrastructure improvement projects,[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2012/07/20127784624575405.html Polls close in East Timor elections] Al Jazeera, 7 July 2012. promising long-term investment in roads and electricity and water supplies. Fretilin opposed CNRT's policies on foreign loans and changes to the oil fund spending, but ran a campaign focused on raising levels of income and education. FRETILIN general secretary Mari Alkatiri promised to reduce corruption if elected.

In the election campaign, Fretilin promised at least 150 hours of paid work on government projects for every unemployed Timorese annually (unemployment is between 50 and 60%){{Cite web |last=Hofman |first=Helene |date=6 July 2012 |title=East Timor is changing, but not fast enough |url=https://theworld.org/stories/2012-07-06/east-timor-changing-not-fast-enough |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=The World from PRX (GlobalPost) |language=en}} and financial support for women in training. The PD, given its mainly young constituency, promised scholarships for students, while the CNRT relied on its charismatic leader Gusmão and his merits in the freedom struggle and in his last years as prime minister. Besides, they pointed to the government's existing development plans.

Frenti-Mudança did not organise large events. Instead, they paid 100 to 200 US dollars to small groups who would then advertise the party in their hometowns. In this way, the relatively small party was able to reach even remote regions of the country.

File:Vota 7 Jullu 2012.jpg

In June 2011, CNRT supporters burned Fretilin flags. The party leaders therefore met immediately and the CNRT party leadership condemned the provocations. In general, the leaders of both parties are trying not to escalate the mood in the country. For example, Fretilin leader Francisco Lu-Olo Guterres visited the CNRT party congress and demonstratively embraced Xanana Gusmão. They wished each other all the best.

The following 12 May, UNDERTIM politician Reis Kadalak threatened to burn down the CNE's office after a CNE training session. He accused the CNE of manipulating the budget allocated to the parties for the election campaign.Suara Timor Loro Sa'e: Reis Kadalak threatens to burn down CNE's office, 14 Mei 2012.

On 18 May, the Global Organisation of Parliamentarians against Corruption (GOPAC) made allegations against the CNRT's campaign financing. Companies that had paid several hundred thousand US dollars to the party were said to have received lucrative contracts from the government. Party leader and Prime Minister Gusmão rejected the accusations. He said that it was normal party financing, as it is handled worldwide. Moreover, they have only received pledges of donations so far, but not money. If the donations come in the name of companies and not from individuals, they will not be accepted according to the law. The allegations are also controversial because they were made by Fernanda Borges, the PUN party leader, and are seen as electioneering. The public prosecutor's office and the {{ill|Anti-Corruption Commission (Timor-Leste)|de|Comissão Anti-Corrupção|lt=Anti-Corruption Commission}} (CAC) are investigating the circumstances.{{Cite web |last=Murdoch |first=Lindsay |date=20 May 2012 |title=Corruption claims sour Timor party |url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/world/corruption-claims-sour-timor-party-20120519-1yxmd.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609012305/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/world/corruption-claims-sour-timor-party-20120519-1yxmd.html |archive-date=9 June 2012 |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=The Canberra Times}}{{Cite web |date=2016-03-17 |title=Timor PM's party denies receiving illegal political donations {{!}} Connect Asia {{!}} ABC Radio Australia |url=http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/connect-asia/timor-pms-party-denies-receiving-illegal-political-donations/947298 |access-date=2022-12-21 |archive-date=17 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317170535/http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/connect-asia/timor-pms-party-denies-receiving-illegal-political-donations/947298 |url-status=bot: unknown }}

According to the electoral law, official campaigning began on 5 June and ran until 4 July. The government gave 6 July, the day before election day, off to state employees. Administration, offices and public schools remain closed. This is to allow employees and civil servants to travel to their home towns to cast their votes.{{Cite web |title=Day-off Granted for July 6, 2012 « Government of Timor-Leste |url=http://timor-leste.gov.tl/?p=7035&lang=en |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=timor-leste.gov.tl |language=en}}

File:KHUNTO Campaign Dili 2012.jpg

The election campaign period was largely peaceful. On 23 June, two men were arrested by the police for throwing stones at cars belonging to a Fretilin campaign group. According to police, the perpetrators were not supporters of another party, but members of a group known for causing trouble.{{Cite web |date=2016-03-10 |title=Detidas duas pessoas por apedrejamento a apoiantes da Fretilin - Internacional - Angola Press - ANGOP |url=http://www.portalangop.co.ao/angola/pt_pt/noticias/internacional/2012/5/25/Detidas-duas-pessoas-por-apedrejamento-apoiantes-Fretilin,d7803cee-1474-46b5-b9db-d514174e201d.html |access-date=2022-12-21 |archive-date=10 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310022411/http://www.portalangop.co.ao/angola/pt_pt/noticias/internacional/2012/5/25/Detidas-duas-pessoas-por-apedrejamento-apoiantes-Fretilin,d7803cee-1474-46b5-b9db-d514174e201d.html |url-status=bot: unknown }} As of 3 July, only 14 written complaints about violations during the election campaign had been filed with the CNE, mostly involving the destruction of campaign material such as party flags. Three complaints were forwarded to law enforcement agencies.Diario Nacional: CNE submit three cases of electoral crimes to the Public Prosecution, 29 June 2012.Radio Timor-Leste: CNE submits three cases to Public Prosecution, 3 July 2012. The most serious incident was an arson attack on the CNRT office in Ossu (Viqueque municipality).Diario Nacional: PNTL start to investigate case of burning CNRT's district office, 29 June 2012. On several occasions, the CNE criticised the unauthorised use of children at election campaign events.Diario Nacional: CNE calls on political parties not to involve children in campaigning, 21 June 2012. Shortly before the end of the regular election campaign, PD party leader Fernando de Aráujo warned at a campaign appearance in Baucau that some of the major parties might try to buy votes for 20 to 50 US dollars.Jornal INDEPENDENTE: Lasama Suspicious Some Large Party Will Engage in Vote Buying, 2 July 2012. PUN leader Fernanda Borges also accused the big parties of buying many votes in the countryside. The CNRT in particular had thrown a lot of money around, the origin of which was not clear.{{Cite web |last=Roughneen |first=Simon |date=2012-07-09 |title=East Timor can finally look forward to a bright new dawn after its historic election |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/world/arid-20200144.html |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=Irish Examiner |language=en}} The head of the EU observer mission Nuno Melo also reported cases of vote buying.Diario Nacional: EU observers recognizes money politics in elections, 11 July 2012.{{Cite news |title=East Timor's second major transition since independence |work=Christian Science Monitor |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2012/0711/East-Timor-s-second-major-transition-since-independence/(page)/2 |access-date=2022-12-21 |issn=0882-7729}}

File:Marí Bin Amude Alkatiri during the FRETILIN campaign. Door-to-Door campaign handing out flowers to citizens.jpg distributing flowers on 4 July]]

Fretilin announced that instead of holding a demonstration march as a final event in Dili, they would distribute flowers to the people on the last day of the election campaign as a sign of peace.[https://archive.today/20130418184224/http://parlamentares.sapo.tl/2012/noticias/lusa/artigo/14571846.html SAPO: Timor/Eleições:Fretilin substitui comício de encerramento de campanha eleitoral em Díli por distribuição de flores, 28 June 2012]

The Australia Timor-Leste Friendship Network confirmed free and fair elections in Timor-Leste. There were only minor technical problems.{{Cite journal |date=19 June 2012 |title=Compendium of the 2012 Elections in Timor-Leste |url=https://unmit.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/old_dnn/Compendium%20of%20the%202012%20Elections%20-%2019%20June.pdf |journal=UNMIT and UNDP |pages=34}} The American International Republican Institute also attested to a peaceful election in Timor-Leste, which remained without major incidents and generally met international standards. Only minor irregularities were registered, but these are said to have had no effect on the election results. For example, not every polling station was checked before casting the ballot to ensure that the voter did not already have an ink-stained finger, which would indicate that the vote had already been cast. In some polling stations, there were irritations regarding the positioning of voting booths, and election observers sporadically registered voters who had not yet reached the minimum age of 17.IRI: {{Cite web |url=http://www.iri.org/news-events-press-center/news/timor-leste-holds-credible-parliamentary-elections |title=Timor-Leste Holds Credible Parliamentary Elections, 8 July 2012 |access-date=20 December 2022 |archive-date=17 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717034008/http://www.iri.org/news-events-press-center/news/timor-leste-holds-credible-parliamentary-elections |url-status=bot: unknown }}, Retrieved on 20 December 2021. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also congratulated Timor-Leste for the peaceful conduct of the elections.{{Cite web |date=2012-07-08 |title=UN News Centre: UN chief congratulates Timor-Leste on peaceful holding of parliamentary elections |url=http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=42420&Cr=Timor-Leste&Cr1= |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708172252/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=42420&Cr=Timor-Leste&Cr1= |archive-date=8 July 2012 |access-date=2022-12-20 }} Praise also came from the European Union and the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries.{{Cite web |date=2012-07-10 |title=Democratic consolidation in Timor-Leste |url=https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2012/07/10/democratic-consolidation-in-timor-leste/ |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=East Asia Forum |language=en}} The Friendship Observer Mission (FOM), which consisted of various East Timorese and foreign members, listed several problems and violations in its report. This concerned, in addition to the Frenti-Mudança's campaign with paid election workers, lack of checking for stained fingers of voters (the sign that they had already voted) and the appearance at election rallies of men in traditional dress wielding traditional weapons such as spears and surik. While FOM recognises that these are part of the country's folklore, they see a fundamental problem with the appearance of armed people in election campaigns. The Chefe de Suco of Lelaufe announced at an election rally in Lifau that he would force all parties in his Suco to remove all banners and party flags that were not from the CNRT.[http://www.facebook.com/download/382032831850805/Preliminary%20report%20-%2013%20July%202012.pdf Friendship Observer Mission: Preliminary Report Parliamentary Elections 2012 (updated)] (PDF-File) In the two polling stations in Lelaufe, the CNRT only received 32.63% and 44.20%.{{cite web|title=STAE: Provisional results of Election Centers (PDF; 2,6 MB)|periodical=|publisher=|url=http://www.stae.tl/download/provisional_results_2012_parliament.pdf|access-date=2022-12-21}}{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

The non-governmental organisation Fundasaun Mahein recommended that the new government establish clear rules on party funding and party donations based on the experience of the elections.{{Cite web |title=Osan Mos Tuir 'Hadahur' Iha Festa Demokrasia – Fundasaun Mahein |url=https://www.fundasaunmahein.org/2012/07/09/osan-mos-tuir-%e2%80%9chadahur%e2%80%9d-iha-festa-demokrasia/ |access-date=2022-12-21 |language=en-AU}}

File:Polling Center in Estado, District Ermera.jpg (Ermera)]]

File:Inked finger after election.jpg

According to the preliminary final results, the CNRT is in the lead with 36.66% (30 seats), followed by Fretilin with 29.87% (25 seats). The PD obtained 10.31% (8 seats) and the Frenti-Mudança 3.11% (2 seats). The turnout was 74.78%. The other parties and alliances failed to clear the three-percent hurdle, including KHUNTO with a narrow 2.97%.{{Cite web |url=http://www.stae.tl/elections/2012/rezultado/parlamentar/ |title=STAE: Rezultadu Provizorio Eleisaun Parlamentar 2012 |access-date=8 July 2012 |archive-date=5 December 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121205024506/http://www.stae.tl/elections/2012/rezultado/parlamentar/ |url-status=bot: unknown }}, retrieved 8 July 2012.{{Cite web |date=2013-02-09 |title=Frente Mudança que conseguiu eleger dois deputados está "perplexa" com resultados eleitorais - Notícia Lusa - Especial Eleições Parlamentares 2012 |url=http://parlamentares.sapo.tl/2012/noticias/lusa/artigo/14625580.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130209193921/http://parlamentares.sapo.tl/2012/noticias/lusa/artigo/14625580.html |archive-date=9 February 2013 |access-date=2023-01-06 }} The official final result was published by the CNE on 13 July. It confirmed the previously assumed distribution of seats.{{Cite news |date=2012-07-13 |title=East Timor's ruling party to form coalition |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-07-13/an-east-timor27s-xanana-gusmao-forced-to-seek-coalition-govern/4130128 |access-date=2023-01-06}}

{{Election results

|image=File:Timor oriental Parlement national 2012.svg

|party1=National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction|votes1=172831|seats1=30|sc1=+12

|party2=Fretilin|votes2=140786|seats2=25|sc2=+4

|party3=Democratic Party|votes3=48581|seats3=8|sc3=0

|party4=Frenti-Mudança|votes4=14648|seats4=2|sc4=New

|party5=Kmanek Haburas Unidade Nasional Timor Oan|votes5=13998|seats5=0|sc5=New

|party6=Socialist Party of Timor|votes6=11379|seats6=0|sc6=0

|party7=Social Democratic Party|votes7=10158|seats7=0|sc7=–

|party8={{ill|National Development Party (Timor-Leste)|de|Partido do Desenvolvimento Nacional|lt=National Development Party}}|votes8=9386|seats8=0|sc8=New

|party9=Timorese Social Democratic Association|votes9=8487|seats9=0|sc9=–

|party10=National Unity of Timorese Resistance|votes10=7041|seats10=0|sc10=–2

|party11=Timorese Democratic Union|votes11=5332|seats11=0|sc11=0

|party12=Republican Party|votes12=4270|seats12=0|sc12=0

|party13={{ill|People's Freedom Party of the Aileba|de|Partidu Liberta Povu Aileba|lt=PLPA}}–PDRT coalition|votes13=4012|seats13=0|sc13=0

|party14={{ill|Timorese Monarchist People's Association|de|Associação Popular Monarquia Timorense}}|votes14=3968|seats14=0|sc14=New

|party15=National Unity Party|votes15=3191|seats15=0|sc15=–3

|party16=Coligação Bloco Proclamador (PMD–{{ill|National Republican Party of Timor-Leste|de|Partido Republika Nacional Timor Leste|lt=PARENTIL}})|votes16=3125|seats16=0|sc16=0

|party17=Democratic Alliance (KOTA–PTT)|votes17=2622|seats17=0|sc17=–2

|party18={{ill|Timorese Democratic Party|de|Partido Timorense Democrático}}|votes18=2561|seats18=0|sc18=0

|party19=Liberal Party|votes19=2222|seats19=0|sc19=New

|party20={{ill|People's Development Party|de|Partido do Desenvolvimento Popular}}|votes20=1904|seats20=0|sc20=New

|party21=Christian Democratic Party|votes21=887|seats21=0|sc21=0

|invalid=11403

|total_sc=0

|electorate=645624

|source=[https://archive.today/20121205024506/http://www.stae.tl/elections/2012/rezultado/parlamentar/ STAE], [http://parlamentares.sapo.tl/2012/noticias/lusa/artigo/14625580.html SAPO]

}}

{{See also|V Constitutional Government of Timor-Leste}}

PD Deputy Secretary General Samuel Mendonça stated on 10 July 2012 that the PD would go into opposition if independents were included in the cabinet. This would not correspond to the PD's criteria.Timor Post: PD ready to sit as opposition: PD deputy secretary-general, 11 July 2012. Nevertheless, the new East Timorese cabinet also included independent members. CNRT General Secretary Babo Soares announced that after the party congress on 15 July, Fretilin and PD would be invited to coalition talks. Until then, informal talks would continue.Independente: CNRT will invite Fretilin and PD, 12 July 2012. The non-governmental organisation La'o Hamutuk spoke out against the idea of a government of national unity made up of CNRT and Fretilin. It would speak against the needs of a pluralist state.{{Cite web |last=Bachelard |first=Michael |date=2012-07-10 |title=Parties haggle on East Timor government |url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/world/parties-haggle-on-east-timor-government-20120710-21tuo.html |access-date=2023-01-06 |website=Brisbane Times |language=en}} In contrast, the veterans' organization CPD-RDTL called for an agreement between CNRT and Fretilin, saying their leaders both came from the common front of the independence movement and could therefore form a joint government. The Timorese should not imitate the international concept of the opposition, said the CPD-RDTL spokesperson.Radio Timor-Leste: CPD-RDTL calls for consensus to set up new government, 13 July 2012. On 15 July, the CNRT announced that it would form a coalition with the PD and Frenti-Mudança.{{Cite web |last=Dili |first=Joyce Morgan |date=2012-07-15 |title=Gusmao to form East Timor coalition |url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/gusmao-to-form-east-timor-coalition-20120715-22467.html |access-date=2023-01-06 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}} Fretilin MP and former Prime Minister Estanislau da Silva was calm in the face of the CNRT party congress' decision.{{Cite web |last=Bachelard |first=Michael |date=2012-07-15 |title=Violence in East Timor after snub to party |url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/violence-in-east-timor-after-snub-to-party-20120715-2246k.html |access-date=2023-01-06 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}} The new parliament convened for the first time on 30 July 2012.Radio Timor-Leste: Sixty five new MPs inducted, 31 July 2012.

On the nights of 15–17 July, violent riots broke out in Dili's Comoro neighbourhood and other outskirts.{{Cite web |last=Bachelard |first=Michael |date=2012-07-15 |title=Violence in East Timor after snub to party |url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/violence-in-east-timor-after-snub-to-party-20120715-2246k.html |access-date=2023-01-04 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}} In Hera, Armindo Pereira Alves, a student and Fretilin supporter from Uato-Lari, was shot dead by a police officer. The officer was then temporarily suspended.{{Cite web |date=20 July 2012 |title=Police officer who shot dead Armindo Pereira Alves suspended |url=https://www.easttimorlawandjusticebulletin.com/2012/07/police-officer-who-shot-dead-armindo.html |access-date=2023-01-04 |website=East Timor Legal Blogspot |language=en}} When Alves' body was returned to his home, there was an attack on the police station in Uato-Lari.{{Cite web |date=20 July 2012 |title=Uatulari Police station attacked |url=https://www.easttimorlawandjusticebulletin.com/2012/07/uatulari-police-station-attacked.html |access-date=2023-01-04 |website=East Timor Legal Blogspot |language=en}} Four PNTL and UNPOL cars were destroyed.Radio Timor-Leste: PNTL and UN Police cars destroyed in Uatulari, 20 July 2012. Uato-Lari has long been considered a region of unrest, with violent clashes occurring regularly.{{Cite web |date=24 April 2012 |title=The Everlasting Trouble in Uatulari |url=https://www.fundasaunmahein.org/2012/04/24/the-everlasting-trouble-in-uatulari/ |access-date=2023-01-04 |website=Fundasaun Mahein |language=en-AU}} 15 other people, including four police officers, were injured in the riots in Dili. 60 cars and seven houses were destroyed. 16 people were arrested by the police when they damaged the An-Nur Mosque, Timor-Leste's largest mosque.{{Cite web |last=Goullart |first=Guido Goullart |date=18 July 2012 |title=East Timor president calls for security forces to restore order after post-election violence (AP) |url=https://www.easttimorlawandjusticebulletin.com/2012/07/east-timor-president-calls-for-security.html |access-date=2023-01-04 |website=East Timor Legal Blogspot & Associated Press |language=en}} National police chief Longuinhos Monteiro denied a political motivation behind the violence and Fretilin denied any responsibility for the outbreak of violence. Fretilin General Secretary Marí Alkatiri, however, blamed members of the CNRT. He said that they had spoken disparagingly about Fretilin in a discussion broadcast live on television and had provoked the unrest.{{Cite news |date=2012-07-17 |title=Hundreds mourn victim of E Timor post-poll violence |language=en-AU |work=Australia Network News (ABC News) |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-07-17/an-timor-funeral/4137070 |access-date=2023-01-04}} Alkatiri, however, said that the CNRT had the right to form a coalition without Fretilin and that they still wanted to work with the government.{{Cite web |last=Morgan |first=Joyce |date=16 July 2012 |title=Fretilin denies responsibility for violence |url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/world/fretilin-denies-responsibility-for-violence-20120716-226eg.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151229073207/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/world/fretilin-denies-responsibility-for-violence-20120716-226eg.html |archive-date=29 December 2015 |access-date=2023-01-04 |website=The Canberra Times}} CNRT General Secretary, Babo Soares, apologised for the harsh words of his party colleagues.{{Cite web |title=Deonisio Babo Regrets type of rhetoric used by participants to the CNRT Party Congress |url=https://www.easttimorlawandjusticebulletin.com/2012/07/deonisio-babo-regrets-type-of-rhetoric.html |access-date=2023-01-04 |website=East Timor Legal Blogspot |language=en}} But the head of the Australian election observers Damien Kingsbury also blamed the unrest on the disappointment of Fretilin supporters who had believed in the success of the campaign to return to government.{{Cite web |last=Alford |first=Peter |date=2012-07-20 |title=Timor turning the corner on poll violence |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/timor-turning-the-corner-on-poll-violence/story-e6frg6so-1226431222310 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720220144/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/timor-turning-the-corner-on-poll-violence/story-e6frg6so-1226431222310 |archive-date=20 July 2012 |access-date=2023-01-04 |website=The Australian}} The police brought the situation back under their control by morning. UNMIT did not consider the outbreak of violence as a "major security incident."{{Cite web |date=2012-10-08 |title=East Timor Update: One Person Killed in Post-Poll Protests {{!}} The Jakarta Globe |url=http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/international/east-timor-update-one-person-killed-in-post-poll-protests/530769 |access-date=2023-01-04 |archive-date=8 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008031641/http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/international/east-timor-update-one-person-killed-in-post-poll-protests/530769 |url-status=bot: unknown }}

{{Reflist}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{cite web |last1=Kingsbury |first1=Damien |author1-link=Damien Kingsbury |title=Democratic consolidation in Timor-Leste |url=https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2012/07/10/democratic-consolidation-in-timor-leste/ |website=East Asia Forum |access-date=20 January 2022 |date=10 July 2012}}
• {{cite web |last1=Leach |first1=Michael |title=Timor-Leste: the parliamentary campaign begins |url=https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2012/06/22/timor-leste-the-parliamentary-campaign-begins/ |website=East Asia Forum |access-date=20 January 2022 |date=22 June 2012}}
• {{cite web |last1=Leach |first1=Michael |title=Post-election Timor-Leste: the parties enter negotiations |url=https://insidestory.org.au/post-election-timor-leste-the-parties-enter-negotiations/ |website=Inside Story |access-date=30 November 2020 |date=10 July 2012 |author1-mask=7}}

{{refend}}

{{commons category-inline}}

{{East Timorese elections}}

Category:Parliamentary elections in Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste

Parliamentary