U.N. Certifies Results of First Democratic Vote
The U.N. certified the results of East Timor’s first democratic elections, ahead of the inauguration of the new 88-member assembly.
The U.N.-run electoral commission pronounced the Aug. 30 ballot free and fair at a ceremony attended by transitional administrator Sergio Vieira de Mello.
Sixteen political parties participated in the vote for the assembly. The main independence party, Fretilin, won a comfortable majority, garnering 55 of the seats.
The assembly will draw up East Timor’s first constitution and will then become the new parliament.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
