East Timor is an emerging multiparty democracy. The Fretilin movement was the leading voice in the long struggle for independence. Turnout at recent elections was high. After years of unrest and human rights abuses committed by the Indonesian army, the Indonesian government in 1999 conceded a referendum on East Timor�s future. Pro-Indonesian militias went on the rampage, murdering hundreds in indiscriminate attacks, and forcing thousands of people into the Indonesian-controlled western half of the island. An international peacekeeping force, led by Australia, eventually secured relative calm and organized the promised vote on 30 August 1999. An overwhelming 80% of voters endorsed independence. The UN Mission in East Timor was given full power over the territory in October. Fretilin emerged as the outright victor in elections in late 2001 for the new Constituent Assembly. Its popular leader, Xanana Gusmão, reversed his earlier decision to retire from politics and was duly elected president in 2002. Independence took effect on 20 May that year. The new government, headed by Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri, has pledged to concentrate spending on health and education. |