Deakin professor leads Timor-Leste election observer mission

The Australian group of 48 observers is the largest all international observer group in Timor-Leste.

As coordinator of the election observer mission, Professor Kingsbury is responsible for recruiting and organising the Australian observers, liaising with the Timor-Leste electoral body, arranging accreditation, briefing observers and providing them with the information they require to undertake the observation process, including check-lists.

Professor Kingsbury said the election campaigns had been notable for their heated rhetoric, although political violence had been limited to two instances so far.

“There is concern, however, that with increased tensions the losing party/coalition will be very unhappy and things may deteriorate,” he said.

“There is also a question over the president (who is a member of Fretilin) choosing a non-Fretilin PM if the elections go that way.”

Professor Damien Kingsbury is available for comment on the elections. He can be contacted over the weekend on +670 73575989 or (Australia) 0439 638 834. Please note that Australia (AEST) is one hour ahead of Timor-Leste.