Verification/Monitoring Mechanism – 1999
1999
The UN had 250 unarmed police deployed alongside Indonesian contingents during the consultation period. This was complemented by an international civilian staff of 600, 400 of which were posted to monitor polling stations across the country during the popular consultation. UN personnel reported a campaign characterized by intimidation from pro-Indonesian militias, supposedly supported by the Indonesian military.1 In addition, over 1,000 independent observers from around the world were present for the poll.2
A popular consultation was held on 30 August 1999. During the consultation 446,953 East Timorese, or 98.6% of registered voters, cast ballots both within and outside East Timor. 78.5% of voters rejected the incorporation of East Timor into Indonesia under a special autonomy agreement in favor of independence.[fn]”East Timor- UNTAET- Chronology,” accessed November 23, 2010, http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/past/etimor/Untaetchrono.html…
This completed the UNAMET verification mandate related to the “consultation of East Timorese people.”