Journalist Safety in Elections: What it Signals for Timor-Leste's Operating Environment

The recent roundtable discussion organised by the Asosiasaun Rádiu Komunidade Timor-Leste (ARKTL) and the Sekretária Estadu Komunikasaun Sosiál (SEKOMS) brought into focus a critical aspect of Timor-Leste’s upcoming 2027 presidential election: the safety and impartiality of journalists. This initiative, held in observance of the fourth National Press Freedom Day, underscores a broader commitment to ensuring a transparent and stable electoral process, an environment vital for all organisations operating in the country.

While the immediate concern is for media professionals, the implications extend to the overall business and investment climate. The emphasis on addressing past difficulties journalists faced with information accessibility, as highlighted by ARKTL’s President Prezaldo Ximenes, and SEKOMS’s call for impartiality, signals a proactive approach to managing the information landscape during a politically sensitive period. For businesses, NGOs, and foreign investors, this focus on media integrity can be interpreted as a positive indicator of efforts to maintain peace and order, and to foster an environment where reliable information is prioritised over rumour or partisan narratives.

Signalling Stability and Transparency

Electoral periods often bring a degree of uncertainty. For organisations, this can translate into increased operational risks, potential disruptions, and shifts in public sentiment that may affect demand or supply chains. The joint efforts of ARKTL, SEKOMS, the Press Council (KI), the National Election Commission (CNE), and the Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration (STAE) to sensitise militants about the media’s role and to ensure journalist safety can help mitigate these risks. When the media can operate freely and impartially, as stressed by SEKOMS Secretary of State Expedito Loro Dias Ximenes, it contributes to public trust and reduces the likelihood of unrest fuelled by misinformation.

The CNE Commissioner, Odete Maria Belo, noted the media’s importance in informing the public from campaigning to vote counting, and that CNE observes journalists generally follow impartiality rules. This oversight, particularly concerning state media like RTTL and TATOLI, and the preparation of regulations for media work on the ground regarding impartiality and privacy, are crucial. A well-regulated and transparent information environment helps organisations make informed decisions, whether it’s about market trends, policy changes, or community engagement strategies. It also reassures international partners and investors that the electoral process is being conducted fairly and openly.

Practical Considerations for Organisations

For businesses, NGOs, and development partners in Timor-Leste, the upcoming election period necessitates careful planning. While the focus of the discussion was on journalists, the underlying themes of security, information access, and impartiality have direct operational relevance. Organisations should consider:

• Monitoring Information: Develop a strategy to monitor official news sources and government announcements related to the election. This helps in understanding the political climate and any potential impacts on operations or staff. The emphasis on official accreditation for journalists (professional cards for CNE/STAE access) underscores the importance of verified information channels.
• Operational Contingency Planning: Review and update contingency plans for potential disruptions during the election period. This includes logistics, supply chain management, and staff movement. While the PNTL has expressed readiness to ensure peace and stability, as stated by Inspector General Assistant Commissioner Hermenegildo Gonçalves da Cruz, proactive internal planning is always prudent.
• Internal Communications and Staff Safety: Ensure clear internal communication channels are in place to keep staff informed. Review safety protocols for employees, especially those who may need to travel or work in areas with higher public activity during campaigning or on election day.
• Engagement with Official Channels: Understand the roles of bodies like CNE and STAE. For organisations involved in community outreach or public awareness, aligning activities with official guidelines and respecting electoral processes is key to maintaining good standing and avoiding unintended political affiliations.

The commitment to journalist safety and impartial reporting during the 2027 presidential election is a positive signal for the broader operating environment in Timor-Leste. It reflects an awareness of the need for stability and transparency, which are fundamental for sustained economic activity and social development.

Source: ARKTL-SEKOMS prioriza seguransa jornalista iha kontestu eleisaun prezidensiál 2027 — TATOLI

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