Dili, September 1, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Government of Timor-Leste (TL), through the Ministry of State Administration (MAE), organized an official ceremony to commemorate the 26th Anniversary of the Popular Consultation, under the theme “A Day of Peace for the World.” The ceremony took place last Saturday at Jardim Largo Lecidere.
“Today we celebrate 30 August 2025, a day that reminds us of the events 26 years ago, a day of determination for all Timorese, beginning with the youth aged 17, brothers and sisters, men and women, mothers and fathers, elders and seniors. Together, we firmly walked to the ballot box to cast our votes, and as a result, today we stand as an independent state among other nations,” said Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral.
The Minister continued, stressing that the 26th Anniversary of the Popular Consultation is a moment of reflection and national pride that honors the determination of the Timorese people who, on 30 August 1999, voted with courage and conviction for independence and sovereignty.
“With great joy, today we raise our prayers of gratitude to Almighty God through Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of Timor-Leste, for blessing this beloved land on the 26th anniversary of the Popular Consultation,” said the Minister of State Administration.
The Minister affirmed that this year’s commemoration, with the theme “Bringing Timor to the World,” highlights that although Timor-Leste is a small island in the eyes of the world, it possesses a great heart, withstanding from 1975 until 1999. During this period, the Timorese people held onto hope and showed courage, looking forward despite countless hardships, never turning back.
“Today, as we commemorate the 26th Popular Consultation, many Timorese are also abroad, whether for study, work, or living in other countries. At the same time, the State of Timor-Leste is also reaching out to the world, through participation in international organizations as well as special events such as the visit of Pope Francis to Timor-Leste in September 2024, which demonstrated to the world the unity of the Timorese in the Catholic faith,” the Minister emphasized.
He further stated that today’s commemoration also carries the spirit of development for this beloved land. Everyone must work together, making efforts to reduce and eliminate poverty while nurturing hope for a better life. All of these efforts will bear fruit only if friendship and solidarity prevail among Timorese people. Therefore, the Minister appealed to all citizens to continue working together for the progress of the nation.
The ceremony commemorating the 26th Popular Consultation was attended by the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, the Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs, members of government, distinguished deputies, civil society organizations, ministry officials, secondary school students, and the broader community.
Reporter: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano