Constitution OKd Ahead of Independence
East Timor’s constituent assembly approved the territory’s first constitution in an essential step before it becomes the world’s newest nation in May.
The 88-member democratically elected assembly voted overwhelmingly to accept the final draft of the constitution, which is loosely based on the national charter of East Timor’s former colonial ruler, Portugal. There were 72 votes in favor of it and 14 against. One member abstained, while another was absent.
Assembly President Francisco Guterres hailed the outcome of the vote. “On 20th May, this [document] will create our independent nation of East Timor,” he said.
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