Dili – 1st May 2007 – Dr José Ramos-Horta, presidential candidate and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, today renewed his calls for a free and fair election for the May 9th second round presidential ballot despite continual threats to the democratic process by the opposition party, Fretilin.
On April 28, two vehicles were intercepted by the ISF in the vicinity of Urahou, Ermera en route to a Fretilin rally already underway. The first vehicle was driven by a known 5-5 group member, Antonio 5-5, the second vehicle in the convoy carried a Fretilin Government Minister and his protection team.
A search of the first vehicle by the ISF unearthed one handmade pistol, five rounds of ammunition, two knives, three slingshots, eight darts and over 5600 dollars in cash bundles labelled with names and addresses of Villagers from Suco. The driver of the first vehicle claimed the money was for his family, the Minister allegedly claimed the funds were being distributed for various “projects”
The Fretilin presidential candidate should immediately explain to the local and international community why a Fretilin Minister was travelling in convoy with a vehicle carrying armed supporters and large sums of cash.
In a week where Fretilin has used the constitutional call for justice to refute Ramos-Horta’
To further inflame the accusations against corrupt Fretilin tactics, Several citizens of Culau, Becora came forward today with further testimony that rice and cash rewards were being distributed throughout the region by Fretilin radicals in return for their voting cards. Aggressive tactics have become increasingly evident as the election draws closer and Fretilin faces certain defeat.
Ramos-Horta reflects “The people of East Timor have fought long and hard for their independence, first from Portuguese rule and then from Indonesian occupation. We are now on a road to a free and fair democracy and I stand firm in my resolve and faith for true freedom for the people of my country by once again calling on the people of East Timor to stand unified against the corruption.
“Do not to give up your right to vote, vote however you want, but vote with your heart and a clear conscience without coercion, we cannot, and will not allow this illegal exploitation of a democratic system we have fought so hard to attain”
ENDS
