New members of the Youth Parliament came into office
The Secretary of State of Youth and Sports, Miguel Manetelo, was, on July 18th, at the Dili Conventions Centre (DCC), for the swearing in of the new 132 members of the Youth Parliament. These young members mandate is for the period of 2013-2015, replacing the previous members of the parliamentary youth, who were in office between 2011 and 2013.
The 132 members are divided in 66 boys and 66 girls, coming from 65 sub districts, spread over the national territory, and were elected through an open electoral process, from the suco until the sub district.
Miguel Manetelo congratulated the new members of the Youth Parliament: “I ask everyone not to criticize only; the most important thing is to communicate and allow it to transform young people within the community”.
According to Leovigíldo Hornai, the President of the Nation Council for Youth of Timor Leste (NCYTL), two of the 132 young people have special needs, which matches with the criteria, stating that vacancies shall be filled in by 50 % of women and 50% of men, including young people with special needs.
“These members of the Youth Parliament will practice activities within their sub districts. During two years they have activities in the districts, and will always be accompanied by the Secretary of State of Youth and Sports (SSYS), by UNICEF and by NCYTL, referred Leovigíldo Hornai.
Lizério da Silva Dias, represented the young newly sworn-in, promised that they will all give their best, be effective and efficient and present all the aspirations of the youth at the Youth Parliament .
In this swearing-in ceremony, were present the president of the Republic, Taur Matan Ruak, the Minister of Social Solidarity, Isabel Amaral Guterres, the Directors of the SSYS and other invitees.
