Parliamentarians Learn Constituent Services

November 24, 2003

Of East Timor’s 88 members of Parliament, only 13 are actually directly elected by citizens in their districts. These MPs, called “District Deputados,” are the focus of a constituent relations program recently developed by IRI in East Timor to better connect those MPs with the people they represent.

Until recently there had been little communication between District Deputados and constituents in their home districts. In July State Senator Pam Roach of Washington (on behalf of IRI) led training session for those MPs in constituent services. This training prepared the District Deputados for the first visit to their home districts. Although reluctant at first, the 13 members now have the confidence to attend local town hall meetings and interact with their constituents. By the end of 2003, all 13 districts will have been visited at least once by their MP. In fact, some District Deputados have already begun their second round of visits this year.

The training has created a much stronger link between the citizens of East Timor and their Parliament. The District Deputados can now address key issues identified in town hall meetings when speaking to parliament and when meeting with government ministers.

In addition, the 13 MPs have asked IRI to assist them in drafting legislation that would make it possible for the District Deputados to better represent their constituents. The District Deputados now have a clear understanding of what is expected of them in this newly formed democracy and are actively working on behalf of their constituents.

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