Today, November 25th, 2024, the Vice Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Adérito Hugo da Costa, participated in the opening ceremony of the Civil Service General Staff Promotion Competition, representing the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, who oversees the Civil Service Commission (CFP). The event took place on the premises of the CFP. Various personalities, including the President of the Civil Service Commission, Agostinho Letêncio de Deus, CFP commissioners, directors-general and representatives of State institutions attended this ceremony. 
In his speech, the Vice Minister emphasised the importance of this process for valuing the principles of merit, transparency, and impartiality in Timor-Leste’s public administration. “I participate in this ceremony with great honour and a sense of responsibility. This moment symbolises not only the fulfilment of an administrative obligation but also the 9th Constitutional Government’s commitment to strengthening the civil service as the cornerstone of our State’s development and providing quality services to our population’, said Adérito Hugo da Costa.
This year’s competition involves 7,654 candidates from different civil service grades, including 1,837 women and 5,817 men. The promotion and process include electronic exams and the possibility of choosing specific areas of knowledge, such as administration and finance, social economy, and technical areas. Implementing electronic exams is a milestone that guarantees greater impartiality and confidentiality, promoting the credibility of the system. 
During his speech, the Vice Minister praised the central role of the Civil Service Commission in promoting efficient and ethical public management, stating that “the Civil Service Commission is the guardian of the principles of merit, impartiality, and transparency, which are fundamental to the success of this competition. Through the rigorous work of this Commission, we ensure a fair and impartial evaluation, contributing to the construction of a motivated public administration that is up to the challenges of our country”. 
The Civil Service Commission’s president, Agostinho Letêncio de Deus, stressed that the promotion competition aims to promote career progression and recognise civil servants’ merit and dedication. Since 2019, thousands of civil servants have benefited from this model, which now includes options for taking exams online, allowing greater accessibility, including for those working abroad.
The Vice Minister reiterated the 9th Government’s commitment to ensuring transparent and merit-based processes to strengthen the public administration. “Each promotion must be seen as a renewed commitment to serving the Timorese, ensuring efficiency and responsibility. This competition is not only an opportunity for progression but also a demonstration of the state’s commitment to recognising and valuing the merit and competence of its civil servants”. 
Adérito Hugo da Costa ended his speech by wishing “every success to all the candidates”. He hoped that “this staff promotion competition will be another demonstration of our state’s commitment to good governance and recognising the merit of all of you”.