In the tiny nation of Timor Leste, Australia’s closest neighbour, preparations are underway for the country’s parliamentary elections on 22 July.

After electing President Francisco “Lú-Olo” Guterres in March this year, people are returning to the polls to cast a vote for their parliament. This will be the fourth national parliamentary election since the country became independent from Indonesia in 1999.

A total of 23 political parties are registered to contest the 65 seats in national parliament. In the bid for political office, there are four front-runner parties: the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (Fretilin), National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT), Democratic Party (PD), and People’s Liberation Party (PLP).

Young people will play a powerful role in determining the result of the 2017 election: More than 60% of Timor-Leste’s population is under 25 and 51% of total registered voters are young people. It is undeniable that the nation’s youth will represent a significant category.

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It's also the first time Timorese youth, who were born after the 1999 Independence referendum, who are known as “the Independence babies”,  will be enjoying their right to vote.

Unlike their parents and elders, these new voters have only experienced an independent national government during their lifetimes. Their political attitudes and opinions have been mainly shaped by observing the conduct of their elected representatives. While their leaders campaigned, entered into office and engaged in decision-making, young eyes have been carefully monitoring their leaders’ progress as they steer the “political, economic and social development” of the country.

According to a research report, “New Voices: The Engagement of Young Timorese in the Political Process” conducted by the Counterpart International and Belun in December 2016, it was demonstrated that the overall level of political interest and engagement of Timorese youth remains high, despite there being growing cynicism about certain political leaders and political manipulation.

Young people are pivotal in driving the direction of Timor Leste. The most pressing issue faced by youth today is the economy and employment opportunities. Unemployment is a key issue for young people, with rates as high as 20% among those under 25. This is mainly due to the fact that a significant portion of the population are of prime working age. Furthermore, the current economy in place is not able to facilitate the participation of the rising population of young people.

The report also outlines how the Timorese youth have highlighted the need for the government to address basic community necessities, including increasing the quality of education and healthcare, expanding the agriculture sector and improving roads.

According to the youth, these are the critical issues that should be adopted in Timor-Leste’s political agenda.

Not surprisingly, these young people are also more inclined to focus on public policies and platforms instead of supporting individuals or associating with major political parties. Therefore, it is paramount that the next elected government of Timor-Leste not only upholds its democratic system and values but also implements a process that is inclusive of its young people and accommodates for the growth of future generations.

By listening to the voices of young people, this will secure a better and prosperous future for all. 

TopicsCitizenshipAustraliaYouthElectionsTimor Leste

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As Timor-Leste Heads to the Polls, Young People Are Poised to Sway the Vote