Confessions of a Misguided Trio

"Free and Fair" elections spark travel warning...

I haven't had much time free to post anything of late, it's been kind of crazy and will continue to be for a while... But, for those of you who keep up with international news, you should be aware that the Timor Leste presidential elections were held the other day. It looks to be heading for a run-off between PMJRH and Fretilin candidate aka Fmr PM Alkatari's puppet, Francisco "Lu Olo" Guterres...

Official figures were something like this...
As counting from Monday's presidential poll progressed today, Mr Guterres had 28.79 per cent of the vote to Mr Ramos Horta's 22.6 per cent. Democratic Party candidate Fernando "La Sama" de Araujo was running third with 18.52 per cent.

Whilst reports were off a relatively free and fair election, although Horta and de Aruaujo did mention allegations of Fretilin intimidation, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has warned Australian Citizens not to go to Timor, whilst numerous warnings have been issued, this is the first time DFAT has outright said DO NOT TRAVEL.

FYI, the last time DFAT raised a travel warning for Timor, civil unrest broke out and people died, the First time DFAT put out a warning, two members of the TRIO called off their trip, which would have landed them there the morning 9 members of the police force were executed on the streets of Dilli.

The general parliament elections have been set for June 30, I have every intention of getting myself over there at some stage... Unless it gets raised higher.... (Which it can't)

Labels: DFAT, Misguided Trio, Timor-Leste Elections

posted by Mark @ 4:09 PM