EAST TIMORESE WOMEN CANDIDATES "MEET THE PRESS"

Sixteen women candidates for the upcoming Constituent Assembly elections took part in a three-hour "Meet the Press" debate today that was aired by UNTAET?s radio and television units.

Participants from ten political parties were joined by three national independent candidates and three district independent candidates. Among the main topics discussed and debated were the need for laws to combat domestic violence; judicial reforms; education and family planning.

This is the first time that a panel made up exclusively of women has appeared on national media to outline their political platforms and visions for an independent East Timor. SRSG Sergio Vieira de Mello has long advocated that women play an active leading role in the political process, and in March pledged to make media broadcast time equally available to women candidates.

On 17 July fifteen political parties took part in the first debate broadcast by UN media that was moderated by Cabinet Member for Foreign Affairs José Ramos-Horta. In addition, 12 political parties have appeared on "Meet the Press" segments since they began on 24 July.

Over the past three weeks UNTAET?s Radio and Television units have also been broadcasting campaign messages recorded by political parties and independent candidates that are produced by an independent producer.