For a government without a strong base in the community is like a ship without a rudder. It is only through the active support of large numbers of people that governments can survive and put in place the programs and activities which will build a strong culture of cooperation and trust, without which no modern economy can prosper. Later this year, on August 30, the people of East Timor will vote once more - for the first time since the famous ballot of 1999 when they repudiated 25 years of Indonesian rule. At that time despite army and militia intimidation and violence, and despite the threats of what they knew would happen should they choose independence, Timorese people voted honestly and calmly, knowing that they might never get another chance. The simple act of casting a vote is fundamental to democracy but we should not think that is all it takes.
Elections are the easy part.
When we look around the world at the more than 100 countries, which have emerged from colonial occupation in the last 50 years, we do not see many vibrant and effective democracies. The history of newly independent states is not a happy one. We need to recognize that it is not easy establishing a new country and there are many obstacles along the road. This is not the time for ideology. It is a time for common sense and for openness.