Venidora Oliveira – National Electoral Commission (CNE) head Joana Dulce Vitor said the policy objective was to support the activities of political parties at a local level.

Commissioner Vitor said the State General Budget allocated money to the CNE to distribute to parties. "They can use the money to build their offices and celebrate important days in their party history," she said.

She said the subsidy was introduced in 2010 when $1 million was allocated across the parties. In 2011, the budget was raised to $3 million and it was increased again in 2013 to $5 million.

In 2014, Frente Mudansa received close to $185,000 while Fretilin received $2.3 million and National Congress for the Reconstruction of Timor (CNRT) pocketed almost $2.8 million

Commissioner Vitor said CNE monitored the use of the money by parties. If the funds were misused, CNE had the power to retract the money, she said. "But they have all used the money properly," she said.

Fretilin MP Eladio Faculto said the funds helped political parties deliver their messages and assure their continued existence. "(The money helps with) the party's internal plan and program to consolidate or extend the democratic policies," he said.

The money can be used to organize supporter meetings and to hold national party conferences. MP Faculto said parties were required to submit details of the events which used the public funds to CNE.

CNRT MP Arao Noe said the approval by Parliament of the policy's continuation would allow parties to continue their activities.

Source: http://www.thediliweekly.com/en/news/capital/12684-party-subsidies-re-endorsed