Dili, 28/03/2023 – A three-day training “Journalism and Election Training; Promoting Transparency and Inclusiveness in Parliamentary Election 2023” led by Timor-Leste Press Union (TLPU) with the support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Covid-Resilient Elections in Timor-Leste (CORE-TL) project funded by the Government of Japan. 

A three-day training “Journalism and Election Training; Promoting Transparency and Inclusiveness in Parliamentary Election 2023 ” was kicked off at Fatuhada Tower on March 28, 2023. The opening ceremony of the training was attended by H.E. Minister of MAPCOMS Mr. Francisco Martins da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, H.E. Ambassador of Japan to Timor-Leste Mr. KIMURA Tetsuya, President of CNE, Mr. José Belo, General Director of STAE Mr. Acilino Branco, President of Press Council, Mr. Otelio Ote, President of TLPU Mr. Candido Alves, and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Ms. Adeline Carrier. 

The journalism and election training aims to ensure that journalists will conduct fair and accurate information sharing during the upcoming parliamentary election of 2023 while citizens have access to adequate information to make an informed decision for the election. The training was organized by TLPU with support from the UNDP CORE-TL project funded by the Government of Japan. The training curriculum is based on a national journalism guideline “The Guideline for Electoral Reporting for Journalists and Media”, co-produced by National Press Council and the UNDP CORE-TL project, to strengthen the principles of peace journalism, responsible reporting, and inclusive politics for the elections for Timorese Journalists. 

“It comes to the important year for politics, the time of the campaign, the elections, and forming of a new government. Journalists will play an important role to share information and don't leave anyone behind. The responsibility is on your shoulder, your publication should be responsible and accountable” emphasized by H.E. Minister of MAPCOMS Mr. Francisco Martins da Costa Pereira Jerónimo.

“We are grateful to Japan and UNDP for supporting the training for journalist organizations. The training enables journalists to develop reporting skills for the inclusive and fair coverage of the election and contributes to promoting citizens' participation in the election. We are honored to work with Japan and UNDP as strategic partners to support the development of the media in Timor-Leste. We hope that this cooperation will continue to enhance the capacity of the national media”, said the President of TLPU Mr. Candido Alves.

“Japan is proud to be a provider of funds for this program along with the Government of Timor-Leste and UNDP. As

we know, free, fair, and open election based on correct information is the cornerstone of democracy. Japan has and will

standby the people of Timor-Leste for the consolidation and development of democracy in this country.” mentioned by H.E. Ambassador of Japan to Timor-Leste Mr. KIMURA Tetsuya.

Finally, “Journalists have a significant influence on the social spirit of a country, and their responsibility in covering electoral cycles by providing precise and bias-free information is essential to build a better society and democracy in Timor-Leste” underlined UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Ms. Adeline Carrier. 

The UNDP CORE-TL project ensures informed and inclusive elections by supporting the development of national media.