Dili, 30/03/2023 – Electoral ink confirmation testing for the Parliamentary Election 2023 was conducted under the supervision of STAE, CNE, and political parties with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Covid-Resilient Elections in Timor-Leste (CORE-TL) project funded by the Government of Japan. 

The electoral ink confirmation testing for the Parliamentary Election 2023 was held at CNE on March 30, 2023, under the supervision of General Director of STAE Mr. Acilino Manuel Branco, President of CNE, Mr. Jose Pereira Belo, UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Munkhtuya Altangerel, and representatives of political parties.  

The financing agreement for the procurement of electoral ink was made between the Government of Timor-Leste and UNDP on December 13, 2023. Under the agreement, a total of US$394,000.00 was provided to procure 10,000 bottles of electoral ink.

The first electoral ink confirmation testing took place on March 1st, 2023, in which a selected sample of ink was agreed upon by STAE and CNE to use for the 2023 parliamentary election. The second ink confirmation testing conducted today includes a demonstration of finger testings supervised by STAE, CNE, UNDP, and political parties to ensure the quality, accountability, and transparency of electoral ink. 

“The involvement of partners, including national and international organizations and political parties, ensures the quality and transparency of the electoral ink” said the General Director of STAE Mr. Acilino Manuel Branco. “UNDP and the government of Japan are strategic and committed partners supporting the entire electoral process. The quality of electoral ink must meet the needs of the upcoming election” emphasized by the President of CNE, Mr. Jose Pereira Belo. Finally UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Munkhtuya Altangerel stated “Electoral ink has been used in more than 100 countries and considered effective anti-fraud measures that complement primary safeguards against double voting. It is a great pleasure to be part of this important process for democratic exercise in Timor-Leste. Taking this opportunity, I sincerely thank STAE and CNE, and government officials for the great collaboration and trust in UNDP. UNDP keeps our great partnership with the Government of Timor-Leste to promote democratic, informative, and inclusive elections in Timor-Leste.”

UNDP has tested the electoral ink in accordance with the established protocols before handing it over to Timor-Leste’s Election Management Bodies. The first test confirmed the required 25 percent of silver nitrate in the ink. The finger stain was tested over 72 hours for removal with water, soap, alcohol, liquid bleach, and nail polish remover. As a consequence, it was confirmed that the stain was completely visible on the nail cuticle and fingertip, in line with international standards.

The UNDP CORE-TL project ensures informed and inclusive elections by supporting the electoral process.