I would like to thank Democratic Party President Mariano Assanami Sabino and senior PD officials for the opportunity to discuss ongoing cooperation between Timor-Leste and the United States of America.
This cooperation covers a wide range of topics and supports one of Timor-Leste’s most important goals – the building of its democratic institutions.
The United States encourages the democratic process in Timor-Leste. Our support focuses on strengthening political party capabilities and practices.
The United States meets with all political parties in Timor-Leste throughout the year to achieve this goal.
We also work with Timorese electoral management bodies and civil society organizations for elections observation, civic engagement and voter education.
For example, the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening – launched in 2016 through a three-year, $4 million cooperative agreement between USAID and the International Republican Institute – builds on the progress already made in Timor-Leste’s democratic development.
CEPPS provides training to technical staff within Parliament, builds capacity to solicit public input on policy and proposed legislation, and mobilizes civil society for parliamentary monitoring.
The project also focuses on the role of women in Parliament through the development of the Women’s Caucus. We continue to support political parties and civil society organizations to increase the participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities in the democratic process.
Through CEPPS and other efforts, the United States is proud to continue its strong partnership with Timor-Leste to promote democracy for all.
