Dili, 29/03/2023 – A three-day training “Training of Trainers for the Parliamentary Election 2023” organized by the Technical Administrative Electoral Secretariat (STAE) has been completed with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Covid-Resilient Elections in Timor-Leste (CORE-TL) project funded by the Government of Japan. 

A cascade training “Training of Trainers for the Parliamentary Election 2023” organized by STAE took place from 27-29 March 2023. The closing ceremony at Delta Nova was attended by the Deputy Head of the Economic and Development Cooperation Section of the Embassy of Japan in Timor-Leste Mr. SASAKI Daishin, General Director of STAE Mr. Acilino Branco, President of CNE, Mr. Jose Pereira Belo, and UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Munkhtuya Altangerel.

With the technical support from the UNDP CORE-TL project funded by Japan, STAE conducted the Training of Trainers targeting to STAE director and senior officers in 14 municipalities who will be assigned as voter education officers for the Parliamentary Election 2023. The training aims to build the capacity of the STAE officers to be trainers, equipped with comprehensive knowledge and skills in electoral laws, regulations, voting, and counting process, as well as acknowledge the obligations and responsibilities of polling officers, observers, and media.

At the closing ceremony, the participants received a certificate from the representatives of the Embassy of Japan, STAE, CNE, and UNDP. After the completion of the training, a total of 53 participants (14 female) will give training as voter education officers, teaching 18,510 polling officers and 1,476 presiding officers/presidents of polling centers across the country and overseas. 

“Free and fair election is the cornerstone of democracy, and funding this activity through the UNDP CORE-TL project is indeed a symbol of the partnership between two strong democracies and two countries of the rising sun.” said the Deputy Head of Economic and Development Cooperation Section of the Embassy of Japan in Timor-Leste Mr. SASAKI Daishin.

The importance of the training of trainers was addressed by the General Director of STAE Mr. Acilino Branco “the participants, who will be a trainer, will share the lessons with polling staff, brigade, and communities. As a trainer, you must demonstrate appropriate manners or attitudes to everyone.”. The President of CNE, Mr. Jose Pereira Belo also said that “We want to promote Timor-Leste to the world. An important indicator is an election. I believe that the training ensures the quality of the election and dignity for everyone”.

Finally, UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Munkhtuya Altangerel emphasized UNDP’s support for the upcoming election by saying that “I wish the best for the successful implementation of the 2023 Parliamentary Election and UNDP keeps supporting the Government of Timor-Leste in conducting inclusive elections to leave no one behind”

In cooperation with STAE, the UNDP CORE-TL project ensures informed and inclusive elections by supporting the electoral process.