Thu Feb 09 2012

Monitor elections in Timor-Leste with ETAN!
by John M. Miller
December 8, 2006

In spring 2007, Timor-Leste will hold its first national elections as an independent nation. Join ETAN in supporting free, fair election in Timor-Leste!

Voters across the country will choose their parliament and president. Given the tensions and violence that have plagued Timor-Leste this year, many worry that the election may not be free or fair. As we did for the crucial referendum in 1999, the East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN) will send nonpartisan, international observers — and we need you!

Please consider volunteering with ETAN’s Observer Project (ETAN-OP). We especially need you if you have election monitoring experience; are familiar with Timorese history and culture; or speak Tetum, Indonesian or Portuguese. ETAN will provide training, so please apply even if you don’t have experience.

Most ETAN-OP observers will go for a few weeks, but ETAN-OP plans to be there from February through July 2007, observing the entire process. Observers who commit to two months or more may receive a stipend and travel assistance. We encourage all observers and supporters to do fundraising and outreach, both for their participation and for the overall project. ETAN can help with these activities.

ETAN-OP will partner with nonpartisan Timorese and international observers, reporting on the election process -- paying special attention to civic education, vote casting and counting, and reactions to the results.

ETAN-OP seeks to deepen international solidarity and organizing in the U.S. in support of the people of Timor-Leste. On the ground and person-to-person experiences are critical to strengthening solidarity. Observers will develop grassroots networks at home to support their monitoring and to increase solidarity between the peoples of the United States and Timor-Leste.

How you can support free, fair and peaceful elections in Timor-Leste:

* Become an ETAN-OP volunteer observer

* Become a U.S.-based volunteer with ETAN-OP

* Hold a fundraiser to support ETAN and the observer project

* Support an observer from your community

* Educate your community about Timor-Leste by organizing a speaking event, film showing or other event

* Contact your members of Congress to express concern about the elections

* Contact the media: write letters to the editor or call talk radio

* Stay involved in supporting grassroots democracy and justice for Timor-Leste

For more information, see http://etan.org/etan/obproject/

If you are interested in becoming an ETAN-OP volunteer observer, please contact ETAN at etan-op@etan.org or 718-596-7668. Support ETAN! Read a message from Noam Chomsky - http://www.etan.org/etan/2006appl.htm

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