[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 116 (Monday, September 10, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S9248]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECENT ELECTIONS IN EAST TIMOR

  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate the people 
of East Timor on the success of their recent Constituent Assembly 
elections.
  On August 30, 2001, the people of East Timor voted to elect a new 
Constituent Assembly. That Assembly will begin meeting almost 
immediately to adopt a new constitution and to establish the framework 
for future elections and a transition to full independence next year. 
The vote was conducted on the second anniversary of the violent 1999 
independence referendum. In that earlier referendum, nearly 98 percent 
of eligible voters risked their lives to vote for independence from 
Indonesia. Last week, the people of East Timor demonstrated their 
continuing commitment to democracy by turning out again in force to 
elect the women and men who will lead them now to full democracy and 
independence. Final voter turnout in this recent election was reported 
at more than 91 percent, in a territory-wide poll that was both 
peaceful and orderly.
  After 25 years of occupation by Indonesia, and a much longer period 
of colonization by Portugal, many ordinary men and women walked for 
hours and lined up before dawn to vote for the first time for their own 
political leaders. Clearly, many difficult decisions and fractious 
debates now lie ahead for the 24 women and 64 men who have been 
entrusted by their election to the Constituent Assembly to establish a 
sound legal framework for independent governance. It is my fervent hope 
that the same spirit of civic participation and tolerance that guided 
this most recent election will continue to guide the elected 
representatives of the Constituent Assembly as they establish a new 
democratic system to promote the cause of peace, independence, and 
prosperity in East Timor.
  The United Nations must also be credited for organizing a successful 
election and establishing a firm foundation for future independent 
governance. As U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has noted, it is in 
many respects the conviction with which the people of East Timor have 
embraced democracy that continues to strengthen the commitment of the 
world community to their cause. I commend the United Nations 
Administration in East Timor, UNTEAT, for their dedication in 
implementing this important mission and for their success in organizing 
this recent election.

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