After months of political
deadlock, an early parliamentary election will shape the future of democracy in
the young nation.
By Khoo Ying Hooi
On May 12, Timorese voters will
go to the polls for the second time in ten months to elect the country’s
parliament, as the seventh constitutional government has failed to gain
parliamentary support. The early election became inevitable after the political
deadlock that has paralyzed the young democracy, creating a state of
uncertainty since the parliamentary election in July 2017.
The coming election is
particularly significant as it will again test the strength of democracy in
Timor-Leste. This time around, there is a different national mood compared to
previous elections. While Timorese voters recognize that the early election is
necessary, there are concerns over the costs of traveling home to vote for the
second time in less than a year. Some observers foresee a lower turnout
compared to last year. In addition, new uncertainty has brought out concerns
over the country’s politics. Some fear a return of the political violence last
seen in 2006 and others see the current deadlock as yet another indication of
the dominance of fractious political elites in Timor-Leste’s politics.
The early election also shows
that prolonged debate among the country’s leadership is still largely
personality-driven and continues to be dominated by high-profile resistance
leaders. The calling of the early election triggered questions about the
principles of consensus politics and political inclusion, which leaders always
pledge themselves to in the spirit of democracy. It is crucial that the early
election settle the power struggle among political parties and between the
coalitions so that Timor-Leste’s government can start governing properly.
Image Credit: AP Photo/Kandhi
Barnez
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