(06-12 August 2007) East Timor – Prime Minister Selection Leads to Violence

On Wednesday 08 August, East Timor’s President Jose Ramos-Horta formally announced that Xanana Gusmao, the head of the National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT), and former president, would be the new prime minister, allowing him to form the country’s new government.  The CNRT did not win a clear majority in East Timor’s parliamentary elections, securing only 18 seats, compared with 21 seats won by FRETILIN, the most of any competing party; however, Gusmao was able to forge a coalition of four parties for a total of 37 seats, enough to achieve a clear majority. FRETILIN, which controlled the government prior to election, now finds itself in the uncomfortable position of being an opposition party. East Timor’s President, Nobel Prize winner, Ramos-Horta strove over the last few weeks to bridge the gap between FRETILIN and the Gusmao led coalition to form a government of national unity, but in the end his efforts failed, and the Gusmao led coalition refused to give up what they see as a mandate from the people for change. With his plan for a unity government stillborn, Ramos-Horta decided to formally declare Gusmao the new prime minister.   

Upon the announcement of the selection of Gusmao as the prime minister, FRETILIN leaders called the move illegal and have decided for the time being to boycott the new government. FRETILIN party head and former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri was quoted by the Associated Press on 06 August as stating “We regard [the selection of Gusmao as prime Minister] as a political and illegal decision and as such FRETILIN will not work with this government. We will do everything we can to raise awareness among the people so they can combat through legal means this usurping of power. FRETILIN will initiate multiple actions within the law to ensure respect for the constitution.” Shortly after these announcements, FRETILIN supports took the streets burning houses, and government/international aid offices in the eastern part of country in the districts of Baucau and Viqueque, which have long been FRETILIN political strongholds. The capital Dili also saw FRETILIN supporters take to the streets setting up barricades, burning tires, vandalizing, and reportedly damaging some 15 UN vehicles in rock throwing sprees at various locations throughout the city. The UN reported that four of its employees had been injured in attacks. The violence for the most part though seemed sporadic and was quickly contained by international peacekeeping forces, UN police, and local security forces.

(Comment – This is another in a series of politically driven violent episodes that continue to haunt to East Timor, a country in grave need of good government and stability. Last year’s fissure in the armed forces along political and geographic (east/west) lines resulted in 35 deaths and an estimated 150,000 people displaced from their homes. As a result, Prime Minister Alkatiri was removed from office. Since then, FRETILIN, the largest single political party in the country has seen its position steadily erode. FRETILIN’s boycotting of the new government and its mobilization of supporters should not be taken lightly, and they can, if they want, play the role of spoiler, paralyzing efforts to unify the country and delaying much needed stability and peace. On the other hand, the Gusmao led coalition thus far has made little effort to bring FRETILIN into the government in any meaningful way. With many former FRETILIN government ministers and bureaucrats possessing key technical skills and essential managerial/leadership experience, the only way that will likely bring any sort of stability and to achieve a rapid level of competency within the new government will be make it inclusive of all parties. An inclusive government, with the Gusmao led coalition retaining its parliamentary majority, is a possibility that can work. However, Gusmao himself, known more for his strategic vision and charismatic personality than his willingness to immerse himself in the day-to-day toil of governing, will have to roll up his sleeves and devote his primary attention to the details of running the country in order to successfully make the most of this opportunity to move East Timor along the path to achieving true democracy.  [slr]