Inauguration of the Exhibition on the Development of Local Governance as part of the 23rd Anniversary of the Restoration of Independence
As part of the celebrations for the 23rd anniversary of the Restoration of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, under the slogan “Consolidating Peace and Development”, the Exhibition “Development of Local Governance” was inaugurated on May 15, 2025, at the Port of Dili. 
The ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, the President of the Court Appeal, Afonso Carmona, and the Minister of State Administration and President of the Organizing Committee for the Commemorations, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, among other members of the Government. 
The exhibition, which runs until May 20, presents the main progress made by municipalities in the provision of public services, highlighting the role of Municipal Authorities and their structures, supported by the Ministry of State Administration and other ministries with relevant competencies. This initiative is an opportunity to give visibility to the work carried out within the framework of local governance and to bring citizens closer to the decentralized services of the State. 
Throughout the six days of the exhibition, each municipality and the Atauro Administrative Authority has its own space where handicrafts, traditional cuisine and other cultural expression are displayed. The program also includes musical performances by national artists and presentations of cultural dances from each municipality. This component is organized by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Environment, which is also a member of the event’s Organizing Committee. 
The celebrations for the 23rd anniversary of the Restoration of Independence also include, on the morning of May 19, a thanksgiving mass at the Parish Church of the Imaculada Conceição in Balide, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Santa Cruz Cemetery, in honour of the heroes of the homeland. On May 20, the official date of the Restoration of Independence, the hoisting and lowering of the National Flag will take place at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace. 
The Government invites the population to take part in the celebration and to visit the exhibition in the Port of Dili, to witness the progress of local governance and to celebrate together the journey that has been made since Restoration of Independence. END 
