East Timor - 1999 - Popular Consultation
The 1999 Popular Consultation in East Timor was a non-binding referendum on Timorese independence from Indonesia. Under a May 5, 1999, agreement signed by the United Nations and the governments of Indonesia and Portugal, East Timorese would have the opportunity to cast ballots accepting or rejecting a special autonomy arrangement but remaining under the Indonesian national government. However, a rejection of the autonomy would be tantamount to a vote for independence which would be granted by the Indonesian parliament. Throughout the campaign, independence supporters were subject to attack by Indonesian loyalists and militia followed by a wave of post-election violence resulting in an estimated 1,400 dead and 400,000 displaced. The Timorese people emphatically supported independence with 78.5 percent voting in favor of independence.
Peter Bartu was the Political Affairs Officer for the Bobonaro District office of UNAMET. In this capacity, he served as the lead for the Maliana team of local and international UN staff and liaised with the Indonesian police, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and military. He also adjudicated conflict resolution and crisis management between pro-autonomy and pro-independence groups.
Jean Marie Stratigos was a United Nations Volunteer and team leader for voter registration and voting sites with responsibilities for managing election activities through the electoral cycle. After the August 30 vote, he volunteered to relocate to Dili and assist with the ballot tabulation process.
In the recording above, you can hear Peter, as a United Nations Political Affairs Officer, and Jean Marie, as a United Nations Volunteer, speak about their experiences in East Timor.
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