Timor-Leste commends the campaign of Judge Maria Natércia Gusmão Pereira
Minister of State and of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and
Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste
Díli, December 19, 2014
Timor-Leste commends the campaign of Judge Maria Natércia Gusmão Pereira
On the 16th of December the Assembly of States Parties announced the final results of the election of six new judges to the International Criminal Court [ICC]. After a strong campaign and a very close race Timor-Leste’s candidate was not elected, coming in seventh. Voting began on the 8th of December. Twenty-two rounds of voting were required for the final result. In the twelfth round, with three candidates remaining, Judge Natércia achieved the highest vote but did not attain the two-thirds majority needed for election. In the following round, with two candidates remaining, she polled 57 votes only just behind Peter Kovács, the candidate for Hungary, with 60 votes.
In what was a testament to the strength of both candidates, it took a further 9 rounds of voting before Mr. Kovács finally managed to attain the majority required.
The Government of Timor-Leste congratulates the newly elected judges and commends the efforts of Judge Natércia and those who have assisted her in her campaign. She was well received in New York and impressed many with her experience and pragmatic approach. The Permanent Mission of Timor-Leste to the United Nations based in New York City was relentless in promoting her candidacy, lead by Ambassador Sofia Borges.
Gratitude is also expressed to all those supporting Judge Natércia’s candidature, and in particular the solidarity and support shown by many small states. The Government of Timor-Leste remains committed to the ICC and to the international fight against impunity.
Though it is lamentable that during these elections no female candidate was elected, it is important to highlight that the ICC will only be strengthened by the different experiences brought to the Court by its judges. In this regard, small states have a valuable contribution to make to the ICC, which will serve to enrich the Court and further the common goal of universalization.
Government Spokesperson, Minister of State Agio Pereira, noted “The campaign for election to the International Criminal Court has raised the international visibility of Timor-Leste and earned the respect of many in the international community based in New York. We thank Judge Natércia for her commitment and conduct.”
