Supporters of CNRT Party have their face and body painted with the party's colors during a campaign rally, Dili, East Timor, July 17, 2017 (AP photo by Kandhi Barnez).
After Peaceful Elections, East Timor’s New Government Is Facing Headwinds
The latest round of elections in East Timor ended peacefully, far removed from the tumultuous and violent period of a decade ago. But the country that has become a model of post-conflict democracy is not without its challenges, including an increasingly complex and contested political arena and a troubled economy. In an email interview, Sue Ingram, a longtime practitioner, consultant and adviser on governance and statebuilding in fragile states, explains how East Timor found its political footing after the 2006 crisis and what is on the horizon.
WPR: What is the significance for East Timor of holding elections without U.N. supervision, and what does this milestone say about security sector reform and the post-conflict recovery in general? ...