Monitor elections in Timor-Leste!

Join the Solidarity Observer Mission for East Timor (SOMET)
A grassroots project ETAN, VOT, APSOC, & WFDA

In 2007, Timor-Leste is holding its first national elections as an independent nation. Join SOMET in supporting free, fair election in Timor-Leste! The Presidential election is complete. The parliamentary election took place June 30.

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) and other groups will send nonpartisan, international observers — and we need you!

Please consider volunteering with Solidarity Observer Mission for East Timor (SOMET), a grassroots project ETAN, VOT (Stichting Vrij Oost Timor), APSOC (Asia Pacific Solidarity Coalition) and WFDA (World Forum for Democratization in Asia).

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 SOMET observers will go for a few weeks, but SOMET plans to be there longer to observe the entire process. Observers who commit to two months or more may receive a stipend and travel assistance. All observers are responsible for helping maintain the project while in East Timor.

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.

SOMET has partnered with nonpartisan Timorese and other international observers, reporting on the election process -- paying special attention to civic education, vote casting and counting, and reactions to the results. In Timor-Leste, SOMET cooperates with Asosiasaun HAK, Timor-Leste NGO Forum, La’o Hamutuk, FOKUPERS, Kadalak Sulimutuk Institute and Bibi Bulak.

SOMET 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 SOMET volunteer observer Although the May 15 deadline for applications has passed, motivated individuals, particularly those with relevant language skills and related monitoring experiences, are still welcome to apply.  Become a U.S.-based volunteer with SOMET  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

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SOMET can be reached in Dili at the offices of the HAK Association (Gov. Serpa Rosa, Farol, Dili, (+670) 331 3324 or (+670) 734 2397. e-mail: etan@etan.org

• SOMET Principles and Mandate
• SOMET Code of Conduct

back to Timor-Leste Votes in 2007

To support this project and other ETAN activities, you can make a secure contribution through ETAN's website. To support ETAN’s political advocacy work, you can write a check to “ETAN.” For ETAN’s educational efforts, tax-deductible donations of over $50 should be made out to “A.J. Muste Memorial Institute/ETAN.” Thank you for your support.

Please mail your donations to:
East Timor and Indonesia Action Network, PO Box 21873, Brooklyn, NY 11202-1873