More than 200 participants in East Timorese civic life gathered recently to discuss the meaning of democracy and its place in the new nation. Organized by the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the Office of the President, the discussions sought to explore citizens’ roles and responsibilities in a democracy. IRI's "Road to Democracy" program provided open forums for political leaders, members of the government, and citizens of East Timor to express their views on important issues facing the country and gain insights into how other young democracies have fared.

To find out more about how democracy works in other countries, President Xanana Gusmao invited Cambodian Minister for Veterans' and Women’s Affairs Mo Sochua and Lithuanian Member of Parliament Edidijus Vareikis to speak at the sessions. Five special forums and a visit to Liquica targeted different audiences, including civil society organizations (CSOs), the media, political parties, and members of Parliament. All were well attended. At the civil society forum, for example, more than 65 participants discussed the role of CSOs as advocates in a democracy. Minister Sochua argued that CSOs should not wait for the government to act, but should be agents of change. Dr. Vareikis emphasized the need for CSOs to learn how to operate independently, adding that in Lithuania local people have learned to be self-sufficient and no longer need to rely on international NGOs.

Minister Sochua summarized her impressions of the week’s events by saying, "The road to democracy is the same whether it is in Timor-Leste or Cambodia…Nation building cannot be done by just rebuilding roads and schools. Nation building is about protecting the fundamental rights of the people. The millions of dollars from world aid will never give our people the freedom they deserve if we fail to protect these basic and most fundamental rights."

Through its partnership with IRI, USAID supports important events such as the Road to Democracy forums. IRI creates and implements a range of programs that strengthen democratic institutions in East Timor, including its Caucus program to expand women's participation in politics, political party training, and electoral research and analysis.