The discussions focused on electoral assistance, voter registration, civic education and international observation.
Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão received a delegation from the United Nations Electoral Needs Assessment Mission (UN-NAM) on 28 September 2026 at the Government Palace in Dili. The mission visited Timor-Leste at the Government’s request to assess international assistance required for preparations for the next electoral cycle.
The meeting included Minister of State Administration Mr. Tomás do Rosário Cabral, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Timor-Leste Ms. Funmi Balogun, UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Katyna Argueta and Mr. Zoran Trajkovski from the Electoral Assistance Division of the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. The discussions covered technical and institutional support for the Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration, the National Elections Commission and civil society organisations.
The main topics discussed included civic education, updated and biometric voter registration, preparations for Timorese citizens voting abroad and other electoral procedures. Prime Minister Gusmão also called for international observers to extend their presence beyond Dili to municipalities and local communities. Minister Cabral said Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration (STAE) would continue working with UNDP on preparations and cooperation with international partners.
Timor-Leste is scheduled to hold presidential and local government elections in 2027, followed by parliamentary elections in 2028. The United Nations Electoral Needs Assessment Mission will continue consultations with national institutions to determine areas and mechanisms for international assistance.
Source: Government of Timor-Leste
