Performing politics : the 2007 parliamentary elections in Timor Leste

The 2007 national parliamentary elections in East Timor attracted high voter participation and was widely and favourably reported, but when the successful poll flared into violent post-election conflict, the possibility of realising political stability and national unity is again called into question. Despite the emergence of new political parties and a growing population of young aspirational Timorese voters who are shifting the grounds of political representation and rhetoric, the nation remains mired in unresolved enmities and leadership failings. This paper reflects on the political campaign and election results in Timor Leste's stumbling progress towards a stable democratic future.