Media Release 2001: UN appoints Michael Maley Member of East Timor Independent Electoral Commission

17 May 2001

Michael Maley, Director of Research and International Services with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), was appointed by the United Nations on 10 May as a Commissioner of the Independent Electoral Commission in East Timor.

The Independent Electoral Commission is responsible for the organization and conduct of the electoral process being undertaken in East Timor in 2001. Its specific duties include:

• the registration of political parties;
• the prevention and control of election irregularities;
• the adjudication of disputes related to the electoral process, including any dispute relating to the registration of political parties, eligibility of voters and candidates, and the validity of votes cast;
• the provision of advice to the Secretary-General of the United Nations as to whether the criteria for a fair and free election have been met; and
• the overall certification of the results of the election.

Michael Maley's highly regarded history with the electoral process started in January 1982 when he joined the Australian Electoral Office (now the AEC).

In July 1989 Michael started his international work in Namibia with the United Nations Transitions Group. He spent a further 16 months as Senior Deputy Chief Electoral Officer during 1992-93 with the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia.

From January 1994 and much of the first half of that year he spent with the United Nations Observer Mission in South Africa which observed the first multi racial elections.

Michael has completed a number of short term missions overseas since November 1995, many involved with the AEC's support to the United Nations for the conduct of the 1999 Popular Consultation in East Timor. During the last nine months he has continued to work on the establishment of an electoral system in East Timor.

Electoral Commissioner Andy Becker said that Michael Maley's appointment is a wonderful acknowledgment of both his achievements and the AEC's reputation in the international community.

A photo of Michael Maley is available on request.

For further information contact:

Anne Bright
Director Information
Ph: 02 6271 4415

Margaret Meneghel
Assistant Director (Acting)
Ph: 02 62714 458