“Timor-Leste is very far, and what is happening, as it did last year, is that the ballots have not yet arrived,” stated Filipe Silva.
The advisor to the Portuguese communities in Timor-Leste emphasized that even if the ballots arrive in the coming days, it will be impossible for them to reach Portugal in a timely manner, within the legal deadline set by the National Election Commission.
In a letter sent on Wednesday to the Secretary of State for Communities, José Cesário, the advisor in Timor-Leste conveyed that the voting slips have not yet arrived and “there is no concrete indication regarding the date of their receipt.”
“As has happened in previous elections, this situation could unfortunately lead to the exclusion of hundreds of voters from effectively exercising their right to vote,” highlighted Filipe Silva.
In the letter, the representative also deemed the situation serious, noting that it prevents the exercise of a constitutional right, and proposed that voters should be able to submit their envelopes at the Portuguese embassy in Dili, ensuring the ballots are sent via diplomatic mail.
“This method would guarantee the timely arrival of the votes in Portugal, ensuring their inclusion in the final count and safeguarding the principle of universality and equality of voting rights,” added Filipe Silva.
If the ballots do not arrive in a timely manner, Portuguese voters can file a complaint with the National Election Commission through the email address https://www.cne.pt/form/consulte-cne-queixas.
Twenty-one political forces are contesting the early legislative elections scheduled for May 18.
