Dili, October 31, 2026 (Média Democracia) – The National Youth Council of Timor-Leste (CNJTL) asked the Government and the Martial Arts Regulatory Commission (KRAM) to reactivate martial arts activities in 2028, after the election process, and not reactivate near the election, because the CNJTL intends to discontinue politics. some who can use youth as a tool to achieve political goals.
This request comes after Law No. 5/2017 on martial arts was repealed by Law No. 9/2026, which the President of the Republic promulgated on 22 July 2026, to recognize and reactivate martial arts as a sport modality.
In a press conference, CNJTL President, Manecas Lobo dos Santos, affirmed that martial arts activities and ritual arts cannot be used only during elections to gain political support, but must have adequate civic education and citizenship education for youth.
“I ask the leadership of all political parties to stop and not use martial arts and ritual arts, especially youth women and men, to achieve your objectives in the election. Please see and consider youth as the next generation and hope for the future of this country. adequate,” the CNJTL President told reporters on Friday.
Manecas Lobo dos Santos said politicians often reactivate martial arts activities when election time is near to achieve their political objectives. However, after the election, these activities were closed again, raising doubts about the true intentions of the political leadership.
“But, we as citizens of Timor-Leste, see with our own eyes that the intention may be seen as good, but can not hide something there. Why do not we see the factual reality? We have repeated the situation like this. Therefore, when KRAM and the Government ask to reactivate martial arts activities, we must also see the intention of the leaders, because they may have their own political interests,” he explained.
Therefore, CNJTL reaffirms that it agrees with the reactivation of martial arts activities in 2028, after the end of the election process, but does not agree with the reactivation in the period near the election, to avoid youth becoming an instrument of political interest.
Report: Pedrito dos Santos
Photography: Pedrito dos Santos