East Timorese savor democracy

East Timorese savor democracy

DILI, East Timor (AFP): East Timorese voters are relishing
their first-ever taste of democracy but some parties in next
week's elections have tried to intimidate them, local poll
watchdogs said on Thursday.

Five groups, including the Joint Election Observers Committee
and the National East Timorese Students' Resistance (RENETIL),
cited cases of minor violence, forced attendance at campaign
rallies and intimidation by several of the 16 parties running in
the Aug. 30 poll.

After centuries of authoritarian Portuguese rule and 24 years
of often-brutal Indonesian occupation, voters next Thursday will
choose 88 candidates to form a constituent assembly.

This will write a constitution for the fledgling nation, now
under United Nations stewardship, and will become the first
parliament. Independence is expected next year.