CABINET ENDORSES REGULATIONS ON POLICE SERVICE, PRISONS

The East Timor Transitional Cabinet endorsed today a draft regulation formally establishing the East Timor Police Service and the East Timor Police Academy. The text includes provisions on the general duties and powers of police officers, and the structure of the Police Service, reflecting the organization and practices put in place since UNTAET was established. The text will shortly be submitted to the National Council, for its consideration. The Cabinet also endorsed a regulation formally establishing the Prison Service of East Timor, for referral to the National Council. The decision to formally establish the Penal Service was made by the Cabinet on 14 February.

The regulation provides the framework for the operation and management of East Timorese penal institutions, the treatment of prisoners, and the rules of conduct for prison officials. It also specifies the human rights principles that are to underpin the operation of these institutions and establishes a Penal Oversight Team. The Team will comprise of three persons, who will be appointed by the Transitional Administrator. Their task will be to receive and investigate complaints from inmates and make recommendations, among other things.

Finally, the Cabinet approved an interim National Disaster Management Plan and a related UNDP funded project to support the development of a national disaster management capacity in East Timor. The objective of the Plan is to provide arrangements for a coordinated response to emergencies and disasters. The Project focuses on developing East Timor’s capacity in relation to disaster preparedness, including public awareness and the initial stockpiling of relief supplies.

POLITICAL PARTIES TO START COLLECTING SIGNATURES

The Independent Electoral Commission held its second meeting with political parties today, 4 April. The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer briefed political party representatives on the procedures for party registration and distributed the corresponding application forms. Political parties can now start gathering the information required to register with the Independent Electoral Commission, in order to be able to present candidates for the forthcoming Constituency Assembly election on 30 August. As part of the requirements, political parties may start collecting signatures among their supporters on the special forms distributed by the Independent Electoral Commission for that purpose. Political parties cannot submit their application to the Independent Electoral Commission until the Board of Commissioners has been appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General. The Chief Electoral Office will be announcing the starting date for the reception of the applications.