East Timor Votes for Independence in Historic Referendum

Strategic Insights -

Dozens of people were killed and over 60,000 fled their homes in the months leading up to the historic vote, which offered the predominantly Roman Catholic area of East Timor a choice between seceding from Indonesia or becoming an autonomous region within the country. Long lines of people defied the threat of violence to cast their ballots in the United Nations-sponsored referendum, with more than 90 percent of 451,000 registered voters, including 13,000 overseas, casting ballots.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 90 percent of 451,000 registered voters, including 13,000 overseas, cast ballots in the U.N.-sponsored referendum on East Timor's future, defying the threat of violence from anti-independence militias.
  • The high turnout was assured by the efforts of independence activists, who encouraged people to vote despite the terror campaign.
  • Jose Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao, the jailed independence leader, was quoted as saying, "I'm sure that we have won. We have struggled for 23 years against Indonesian repression."
  • Gusmao, who voted under house arrest in Jakarta, is predicted to become East Timor's first president if the region gains independence.

Statistics:

  • Over 60,000 people fled their homes in the months leading up to the vote.
  • More than 90 percent of registered voters cast ballots, including 13,000 overseas voters.
  • The referendum offered a choice between secession from Indonesia and becoming an autonomous region within the country.
  • 451,000 people were registered to vote in the referendum.
  • Results are expected to be announced by September 7.

Sources:

  • "Independence activists claimed victory yesterday in a referendum on East Timor's future, buoyed by long lines of people who defied the threat of violence to vote in the U.N. -sponsored ballot."
  • Associated Press, accessed 2023 ([1])