East Timorese presidential election, 2007

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East Timorese presidential election, 2007

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←  2002 9 April 2007 (first round)
9 May 2007 (second round)		 2012  →

  EastTimor.JoseRamosHorta.01.jpg 2007 Luo-Olo.JPG
Candidate José Ramos-Horta Francisco Guterres
Party Independent FRETILIN
Popular vote 285,835 127,342
Percentage 69.18% 30.82%
President before election

Xanana Gusmão
CNRT

Elected President

José Ramos-Horta
Independent

East Timor
Coat of arms of East Timor.svg
This article is part of a series on the
politics and government of
Timor-Leste
Constitution

Presidential elections were held in East Timor in 2007. The first round on 9 April 2007 saw six of the eight candidates eliminated. [1] The remaining two candidates, incumbent Prime Minister José Ramos-Horta and FRETILIN President Francisco Guterres, faced each other in a runoff election on 9 May 2007. [2] Ramos-Horta won the second round with 69% of the vote. [3]

East Timor Country in Maritime Southeast Asia

East Timor or Timor-Leste, officially the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, is a country in Maritime Southeast Asia. It comprises the eastern half of the island of Timor, the nearby islands of Atauro and Jaco, and Oecusse, an exclave on the northwestern side of the island surrounded by Indonesian West Timor. Australia is the country's southern neighbour, separated by the Timor Sea. The country's size is about 15,410 km2.

Prime Minister of East Timor position

The Prime Minister of Timor-Leste is the head of government in East Timor. The President is the head of state. The President of East Timor appoints the Prime Minister, after parliamentary elections and have listened to all parties represented in the National Assembly, who is usually the leader of the large party or coalition. The Prime Minister oversees the activities of the government and chairs the Council of Ministers.

José Ramos-Horta former president and prime minister of East Timor

José Manuel Ramos-Horta is an East Timorese politician who was the President of East Timor from 20 May 2007 to 20 May 2012. Previously he was Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2002 to 2006 and Prime Minister from 2006 to 2007. He is a co-recipient of the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize along with Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo, for working "towards a just and peaceful solution to the conflict in East Timor".

Contents

First round

Nominations and campaigns

Prime Minister José Ramos-Horta announced in February 2007 that he would be a presidential candidate, receiving the support of incumbent president Xanana Gusmão, who chose not to run for another term. [4] Ramos-Horta's main opponent among the seven other candidates was parliamentary speaker Francisco Guterres, though also running were Francisco Xavier do Amaral (also a candidate in the 2002 election), Avelino Coelho da Silva of the Socialist Party, Fernando de Araújo of the Democratic Party, Lúcia Lobato of the Social Democratic Party (the sole female candidate), João Viegas Carrascalão of the Timorese Democratic Union, and Manuel Tilman of the Association of Timorese Heroes. [5]

Xanana Gusmão former President and Prime Minister of East Timor

Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, GColIH, GCL, GCMG is an East Timorese politician. A former militant, he was the first President of East Timor, serving from May 2002 to May 2007. He then became the fourth Prime Minister of East Timor, serving from 8 August 2007 to 16 February 2015. He has been Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment since February 2015.

Francisco Xavier do Amaral East Timorese politician

Francisco Xavier do Amaral was an East Timorese politician. A founder of the Frente Revolucionaria de Timor Leste Independente (Fretilin), Amaral was sworn in as the first President of East Timor when the country, then a Portuguese colony, made a unilateral declaration of independence on 28 November 1975. He was a member of the National Parliament for the Timorese Social Democratic Association from 2001 until his death. Amaral was also known as "Abo (Grandfather) Xavier," a term of endearment, by East Timorese.

Campaigning began on 23 March, the day after two people were killed in gun battles with police in the capital Dili, though Ramos-Horta did not mention this in his opening campaign speech, instead focusing on poverty. [6]

Dili City in East Timor

Dili, also known as “City of Peace”, is the capital, largest city, chief port, and commercial centre of East Timor (Timor-Leste). Dili is part of a free trade zone, the Timor Leste–Indonesia–Australia Growth Triangle (TIA-GT).

Results and controversy

Candidates' majority in districts ET map-President2007.png
Candidates' majority in districts

Early results were announced by a spokesman for the national elections commission, Martinho Gusmão, who said that results from the capital Dili showed Ramos-Horta with about 30%, Araújo with about 25%, and Amaral and Guterres with about 20% each. [7] On 11 April, the president of the commission said that Guterres was in first place with 28.8% and would participate in a second round to be held in May, while Ramos-Horta had 22.5% and Araújo had 18.6%. [8] Five of the candidates — Araújo, Amaral, Lobato, Coelho, and Tilman — demanded that vote counting cease, alleging major problems in the election, and said that counting should only be conducted with all the candidates present to observe; [9] they said that they would legally challenge the outcome. [8] Soon afterward, Ramos-Horta joined the calls for a recount, and also called for a U.N. investigation regarding the absence of votes from 150,000 citizens. [10] Commission spokesman Martinho Gusmão subsequently said on 12 April that there would not be a recount, [11] but on 13 April he said that there were inconsistencies in the vote count and that it was possible that a re-vote might be necessary in some parts of the country. [12] According to final results released by the electoral commission on 18 April, Guterres had 27.89% of the vote (112,666 votes) and Ramos-Horta had 21.81% (88,102 votes), which meant that the two would face each other in a second round. Araújo followed in third place with 19.18% (77,459 votes). Voter turn-out was placed at 81.79%. Following the release of the results, candidates had 24 hours to appeal, [13] and three of the losing candidates, Araújo, Amaral, and Lobato did so, [14] but the results were confirmed by an appeals court. [15] On 26 April, Araújo announced his party's support for Ramos-Horta in the second round; [16] Ramos-Horta also received the support of four out of the five other candidates: Amaral, Lobato, Coelho da Silva, and Carrascalão. Manuel Tilman endorsed Guterres. [17]

e  •  d  Summary of the 09 April and 09 May 2007 East Timorese presidential election results
Candidates – Parties1st round2nd round
Votes%Votes%
José Ramos-Horta Independent 88,102 21.81 285,835 69.18
Francisco Guterres Fretilin 112,666 27.89 127,342 30.82
Fernando de Araújo Democratic Party (PD) 77,459 19.18
Francisco Xavier do Amaral Timorese Social Democratic Association (ASDT) 58,125 14.39
Lúcia Lobato Social Democratic Party (PSD) 35,789 8.86
Manuel Tilman Association of Timorese Heroes (KOTA) 16,539 4.09
Avelino Coelho da Silva Socialist Party of Timor (PST) 8,338 2.06
João Viegas Carrascalão Timorese Democratic Union (UDT) 6,928 1.72
Total votes403,941 100.00413,177100.00
Source: East Timor Election Commission website

Results by district (1st round)

Based on official results of East Timor Election Commission

District Guterres Ramos-Horta de Araújo do Amaral Lobato Tilman Coelho da Silva Carrascalão
Aileu 873 1,592 1,492 11,767 817 1,089 288 217
Ainaro 2,453 901 4,623 6,103 1,603 5,555 377 714
Baucau 30,956 13,265 1,105 865 1,226 604 823 300
Bobonaro 4,803 5,562 13,930 2,325 6,678 1,250 635 815
Cova Lima 6,240 1,867 7,681 3,192 3,242 676 218 384
Dili 11,801 29,619 9,904 12,672 4,662 1,734 1,322 771
Ermera 7,187 3,843 18,516 5,946 1,769 1,712 657 1,057
Lautém 12,392 6,006 3,248 743 2,884 345 519 323
Liquiçá 1,979 7,446 3,168 4,089 3,855 1,001 571 791
Manatuto 2,673 6,015 2,133 2,686 485 539 702 681
Manufahi 4,953 1,745 3,116 6,554 1,497 870 281 261
Oecussi-Ambeno 5,661 4,791 7,643 630 5,651 491 254 410
Viqueque 20,695 5,450 900 553 1,420 668 1,691 204
Total112,666 88,102 77,459 58,125 35,789 16,534 8,338 6,928

Second round

Jose Ramos-Horta at election campaign with traditional clothing Prasidentschaftswalhkampf JRH 2007.JPG
José Ramos-Horta at election campaign with traditional clothing
Election campaign with Francisco Guterres and Mari Alkatiri Wahlkampf Lu Olo 2007.JPG
Election campaign with Francisco Guterres and Marí Alkatiri

Campaigning and corruption allegations

The Timorese returned to the polls on 9 May to vote in a runoff between Ramos-Horta and Guterres. In the intervening month between the votes, Guterres alleged that Australia soldiers in East Timor as part of Operation Astute were interfering with the election process and Fretilin campaign rallies. The Fretilin party executive José Teixeira said:

Operation Astute

Operation Astute was an Australian-led military deployment to East Timor to quell unrest and return stability in the 2006 East Timor crisis. It was headed by Brigadier Bill Sowry, and commenced on 25 May 2006 under the command of Brigadier Michael Slater. The operation was established at the request of East Timor's government, and continues under an understanding reached between Australia, East Timor, and the United Nations, with the United Nations Integrated Mission in East Timor supporting and helping to develop East Timor's police force. Other countries deploying soldiers to East Timor include Malaysia, New Zealand and East Timor's former colonial power Portugal, operating under independent command.

Both Ramos-Horta and the United Nations rejected the Fretilin's claims. On 8 May, the day before the election, Ramos-Horta rebutted, saying:

Prior to the election, both candidates agreed they would accept the result no matter the outcome, [20] with outgoing President Xanana Gusmão also urging all sides to vote peacefully and accept the result. [21]

Election day

Amid tight security from the Australian forces present, the election was peaceful and orderly, with no violence related to the election reported. [22] However within a day of votes being counted, irregularities began to appear. These include 87 marked voting papers found at a booth before polls opened as well as children under 17 with their own registration cards attempting to vote. [23]

Second round results

Following the election, initial reports predicted a large majority for Ramos-Horta. Ramos-Horta said that he thought that he "could have 70-80%" of the vote, and a spokesman for the election commission said that he was in the lead in most districts. [24] With 90% of votes counted, Ramos-Horta had 73%. However, he declined to declare victory until the results were verified and final. [25] Subsequently, on 11 May, provisional results showed Ramos-Horta with 69% of the vote against 31% for Guterres, and Guterres accepted defeat and congratulated Ramos-Horta. [3] Voter turnout in the second round was placed at 81%. [26] Ramos-Horta took office on 20 May. [27]

CandidatePartyVotes%
José Ramos-Horta Independent 285,835 69.18
Francisco Guterres Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (FRETILIN) 127,342 30.82
Total valid votes413,177100.00 [26]

Results by district (2nd round)

Based on the official results of East Timor Election Commission

District Ramos-Horta Guterres
Aileu 16,591 1,075
Ainaro 16,395 5,121
Baucau 16,987 33,745
Bobonaro 30,351 5,504
Cova Lima 17,246 5,343
Dili 63,010 15,787
Ermera 33,923 7,198
Lautém 12,919 13,547
Liquiçá 20,705 2,881
Manatuto 13,571 3,240
Manufahi 14,362 4,857
Oecussi-Ambeno 19,332 6,879
Viqueque 10,443 22,165
Total285,835 127,342

Voting logistics

The logistics of providing the entire East Timor population with access to voting stations proved difficult through both elections. Across the country there were 700 polling stations. Some locations were so isolated that helicopters and donkeys were needed to distribute ballot papers to them. [28]

Related Research Articles

Fretilin political party in East Timor

The Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor is a leftist political party in East Timor. They presently hold 23 of 65 seats in the National Parliament and serve in the opposition. Fretilin formed the government in East Timor from independence until 2007. The party began as a resistance movement that fought for the independence of East Timor, first from Portugal and then from Indonesia, between 1974 and 1998. After East Timor gained its independence from Indonesia, Fretilin became one of several parties competing for power in a multi-party system.

Mari Alkatiri Prime Minister of East Timor

Mari bin Amude Alkatiri, GCIH is a Timorese politician. He was Prime Minister of East Timor from May 2002 until his resignation on 26 June 2006 following weeks of political unrest in the country, and again from September 2017 until May 2018. He is the Secretary-General of the Fretilin party, as well as President of the Special Administrative Region of Oecusse.

2006 East Timorese crisis

The 2006 East Timorese crisis began as a conflict between elements of the military of East Timor over discrimination within the military, and expanded to a coup attempt and general violence throughout the country, centred in the capital Dili. The crisis prompted a military intervention by several other countries and led to the resignation of the Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri.

Taur Matan Ruak Prime Minister of East Timor

José Maria VasconcelosGColIH, popularly known by his nom de guerreTaur Matan Ruak is an East Timorese politician who has served as the Prime Minister of East Timor since 22 June 2018. He was also President of East Timor from 20 May 2012 to 20 May 2017. Before entering politics, he was the Commander of the FALINTIL-Forças de Defesa de Timor-Leste (F-FDTL), the military of East Timor, from 2002 until 6 October 2011. Prior to serving in the F-FDTL, he was the last commander of the Armed Forces of National Liberation of East Timor or FALINTIL, the insurgent army which resisted the Indonesian occupation of the territory from 1975 to 1999.

2007 East Timorese parliamentary election election

A parliamentary election was held in East Timor on 30 June 2007. Although a narrow plurality was achieved by the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (FRETILIN), a coalition involving the next three largest groups formed a government. New Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão of the National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT) was sworn in on 8 August 2007; Fernando de Araújo of the Democratic Party became President of the National Parliament.

National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction political party

The National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction is a political party in East Timor founded by former President Xanana Gusmão in March 2007 in preparation for the 2007 parliamentary election.

Francisco Guterres East Timorese politician

Francisco Guterres, popularly known as Lú-Olo, is an East Timorese politician who has been President of East Timor since 2017. He is also the President of Fretilin, and he was President of the National Parliament of East Timor from 2002 to 2007. As the Fretilin candidate, he stood in the 2007 presidential election and 2012 presidential election, but was defeated in the second round by independent candidates on both occasions. He also contested the 2017 presidential election, and with the support of former Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and his party, National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT), he was elected as President.

Fernando de Araújo (East Timorese politician) President of East Timor

Fernando de Araújo, also known as Lasama was an East Timorese politician who was President of the National Parliament of East Timor from 2007 to 2012. He also served as the Acting President for two months in early 2008. He was also the President of the Democratic Party.

José Luís Guterres East Timorese politician

José Luís Guterres is an East Timorese politician and diplomat.

Rogerio Tiago Lobato is an East Timorese politician and former Interior Minister belonging to Fretilin. He was a founding member of the first independent government of East Timor, in 1975, led by Fretilin. He is also the brother of the late Nicolau Lobato, second President of the country who was killed in action after the Indonesian invasion, in late 1978.

2008 East Timorese assassination attempts

Rebel East Timorese soldiers invaded the homes of the President and Prime Minister of East Timor on 11 February 2008, leading to the shooting and serious wounding of President José Ramos-Horta, the shooting up of the car of Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, and the fatal shooting of rebel leader Alfredo Reinado. The attacks have been variously interpreted as attempted assassinations, attempted kidnappings and an attempted coup d'état. The rebels' intentions remain unknown.

Vicente Guterres President of East Timor

Vicente da Silva Guterres is a politician from East Timor, a member of the National Parliament of East Timor and its Vice-President since 2007.

2012 East Timorese presidential election

A presidential election was held in Timor-Leste on 17 March and 16 April 2012 to choose a president for a five-year term. Incumbent president Jose Ramos-Horta, who was eligible for a second and final term as president, announced that he would seek nomination to be a candidate in the election. The election was seen as a test for the "young democracy" in seeking to take control of its own security. Former military commander Taur Matan Ruak provisionally beat Francisco Guterres in a second round runoff.

Frenti-Mudança political party

Frente de Reconstrução Nacional de Timor-Leste - Mudança, commonly known as Frenti-Mudança, is a political party in East Timor led by Vice-Prime minister José Luís Guterres.

2017 East Timorese presidential election elections

Presidential elections were held in East Timor on 20 March 2017. Incumbent President Taur Matan Ruak, who was eligible for a second term, chose not to run for re-election. The result was a victory for Francisco Guterres of FRETILIN.

References

  1. ↑ "Two set to square off for presidency", AAP (news.com.au), 18 April 2007
  2. ↑ "East Timor set for presidential run-off", Sydney Morning Herald, 6 May 2007
  3. 1 2 "Guterres congratulates Horta as new president of Timor-Leste", Xinhua (People's Daily Online), 11 May 2007.
  4. ↑ "Nobel laureate Jose Ramos-Horta to run for president in East Timor", Associated Press (International Herald Tribune), 24 February 2007.
  5. ↑ "Timorese prepare to elect new president", Australian Associated Press (The Sydney Morning Herald), 10 March 2007.
  6. ↑ "East Timor election campaign starts against backdrop of violence", Associated Press (International Herald Tribune), 23 March 2007
  7. ↑ Anthony Deutsch, "Nobel laureate could be president", Associated Press (AdelaideNow), 10 April 2007.
  8. 1 2 Stephen Fitzpatrick, "East Timor poll candidates threaten court action", The Australian, 11 April 2007.
  9. ↑ "Stop counting the votes, demand candidates", AFP (IOL), 11 April 2007.
  10. ↑ "UN urged to investigate Timor vote", AAP (The Age), 12 April 2007.
  11. ↑ Ahmad Pathoni, "East Timor poll body rejects call for recount", Reuters (IOL), 13 April 2007.
  12. ↑ "East Timor election 'seriously flawed'", AFP (The Australian), 13 April 2007.
  13. ↑ "Two set to square off for presidency", AAP (news.com.au), 18 April 2007.
  14. ↑ Anne Barker, "Unsuccessful candidates appeal against E Timor election results", abc.net.au, 20 April 2007.
  15. ↑ "Court confirms East Timor election results", AFP (Gulf Times), 22 April 2007.
  16. ↑ "Ramos Horta wins key support", AFP (The Age), 27 April 2007.
  17. ↑ Abdul Khalik, "Support for Ramos-Horta no guarantee of a win, say observers", The Jakarta Post, 9 May 2007.
  18. ↑ "Aust peacekeepers 'intimidating' E Timor voters", ABC News Online, 6 May 2007.
  19. ↑ "Ramos Horta denies Aust interference", ABC News Online, 8 May 2007.
  20. ↑ "Timor-Leste presidential runoff set", United Press International, 8 May 2007.
  21. ↑ "Gusmao urges peaceful outcome of poll", The Australian, 9 May 2007.
  22. ↑ "E Timor holds peaceful landmark vote", Independent Online, 9 May 2007.
  23. ↑ "East Timor electoral count continues", Radio Australia, 10 May 2007
  24. ↑ "Ramos-Horta ahead in E Timor poll", BBC News, 10 May 2007.
  25. ↑ "Ramos-Horta sweeps to victory in Timor poll", Sydney Morning Herald, 11 May 2007.
  26. 1 2 National Election Commission (CNE) final results, 14 May 2007.
  27. ↑ "Horta sworn in as Timor-Leste's new president", Xinhua (People's Daily Online), 21 May 2007.
  28. ↑ "Confusion hits voter turnout in E Timor", ABC News Online, 9 May 2007.
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