We liberated the country... ...now we liberate the people of East Timor

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CNRT Campaigns on Solid Policy for the Reconstruction of East Timor 

Dili – 25th June 2007

CNRT, led by the popular and charismatic President Xanana Gusmao, is enjoying overwhelming support in East Timor by campaigning on the promise to build a progressive democracy, one marked by transparency, accountability and consultation in the upcoming legislative elections.

This pledge comes after a five-year term under the one party tactics of Fretilin, whose ‘right to rule’ mentality has created a climate akin to soft communism through direct ‘centralization’ of power and procurement, despite this being against the young country’s constitution, that embraces decentralization.  Their attempts so far have not been able to deliver the much-needed services to 76% of the population who live outside Dili. 

CNRT Secretary General, Dionisio Babo Soares, stood firm today on the political challenges facing CNRT upon assuming government, and refused to be drawn to the logistics of political policy.

“CNRT has plainly stated our policy and outlined our platforms,” stated Babo-Soares. “We stand for the reconstruction of East Timor through the implementation of a free and fair democracy, and the creation of a transparent and accountable Government that acts in the interests of, and is answerable to, the brave people of our nation.

“For five years the people of East Timor have suffered under the arrogant mentality of the Fretilin leadership, that has ignored the needs and desires of the people, deeming their attitude ‘dependant’. It is time for change and it is time to accelerate the rate of progress to alleviate our people from poverty. It is time for a Government that listens.

“CNRT made a deliberate and decisive election choice, we were not going to represent another government dictating policy and political platforms to a people bruised and traumatised by the tactics of the incumbent Fretilin government. We chose to use this election to educate the people on the principles of a free and fair democracy, and secondly to confirm our obligation to rebuild the nation into a democratic state of transparency and accountability. We committed to building a state where the people have a voice, a crucial element in a strong and unified nation, noticeably absent from the Fretilin regime.

“We began this election the way we will finish this election, on a unilateral promise to stop the current undemocratic nature of the parliament, establish a sound democratic government on all levels that is regulated through checks, balances and systemic regulations in line with other internationally acclaimed democracies. We promise to decentralize government to the district, local and village level, and while we put this in place we will ensure that services are delivered. This is essential. 

“We will build a modern, progressive and democratic state where the peoples’ voices are heard, documented, considered and acted upon.

“We have watched Fretilin demonstrate their ‘right to rule’ mentality in the international media, labeling decentralization as ‘wasteful and a recipe for corruption’. We have seen Fretilin paint an unrealistic and undocumented picture of the state of our nation to suit their claims. CNRT will not follow suit.

“Fretilin obviously lacks the courage and conviction to establish a free democracy and decentralize the power to the people. CNRT is committed to establishing an inclusive government based on the philosophy of national unity. This is similar to the philosophy the original CNRT employed during our struggle for independence; the power came from the people to free the country. We must trust our people while establishing the mechanisms of Government to eliminate corruption and nepotism.

“We have watched Fretilin lay claim to success while our people starve, 43% of our children suffer from stunted growth, 23% are wasted, women still die at alarming rates giving birth, and many die of treatable diseases and many live homeless in IDP camps. They claim economic success when our economy is more reliant on oil revenue than ever. They claim popular support when many in their own party are calling for change.

“Last year Fretilin led our country into the most violent period since independence, when they had to call upon the international community to assist in reestablishing law and order. We must now learn from their mistakes and rebuild our nation. We are a country ready to become a serious and competitive democracy and an active member of the free world. CNRT is the only party with the vision, drive and determination to create a contemporary and progressive modern day democracy.

“I repeat with no hesitation, we will not campaign on resolute political policy. We know what needs to be done for the country, our plans will be developed and implemented through direct collective consultation with the citizens of East Timor.”

ENDS

For Further Information
CNRT Media Contact
T: +670 735 8696
E: cnrt.media@gmail.com
W: www.cnrt-timor.org

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