East Timorese independence referendum, 1999

When independence referendum in East Timor in 1999, the population of East Timor should choose between the complete independence of the country or stay with Indonesia as a Special Autonomous Region of East Timor SARET.

Prehistory

Indonesia had the former Portuguese colony, nine days after its declaration of independence on 28 November 1975, occupied. There was a guerrilla war between the army of Indonesia and the independence movement FRETILIN and its armed wing, the Falintil. As the crew were killed at least 183,000 people. Umbrella organization of the Timorese movement was the Conselho Nacional de Resistência Timorense CNRT (National Council of Timorese Resistance). It was formed in 1998 in Portugal from different groups and parties. The organization of the referendum took over the United Nations Mission in East Timor UNAMET. At this time lived in East Timor about 85,000 immigrants from Indonesia.

On 11 March 1999, the UN, Portugal and Indonesia agreed at ministerial level on the holding of a referendum on the future of East Timor. On April 21, the cessation of violence between the parties has been agreed. Pro- Indonesian militias ( Wanra ) and although the armed forces reacted to the announcement of the referendum with massive intimidation and harassment of the population. Tens of thousands were forced to flee.

The referendum

From 16 July to 5 August voter registration ran. It started with three days late because the Indonesian security forces had difficulties to ensure security. 451 792 East Timorese were registered to vote. On August 20, an event of independence supporters was attacked by militia in Suai, in Manatuto UN staff were threatened by militias.

The referendum on 30 August 1999 eventually brought a clear majority with 344 580 votes ( 78.5 %) for independence against 94 388 votes (21 %) for the autonomy, at an interest of over 98 %, against the autonomy and independence of the East Timor. The result was announced on September 4.

Transport of ballots by helicopter

Transport of ballots by helicopter

Counting

Follow

Starting September 2, violence escalated again. The disappointed opponents of the independence movement, the Wanra and the Indonesian army massacred in many parts of the country people and left behind when they left scorched earth. 2000 to 3000 people should be killed. On 20 September, the first Australian units of the international force INTERFET landed at Dili airport. The INTERFET pacified the country that came under UN administration.

On 20 May 2002 East Timor regained its independence.