Warden Message: Suco ElectionS
October 2, 2009

Timor-Leste will hold local elections on October 9 in 442 Sucos throughout the country.  In previous election cycles, violent disturbances have occurred in the periods before, during and after the voting took place.  We wish to remind U.S. citizens that even political events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of political events if possible and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.

U.S. citizens living and traveling in Timor-Leste are urged to register and update their contact information with the U.S. Embassy in Dili.  Registration facilitates the U.S. Mission’s contact with U.S. citizens in emergency situations and may be done online and in advance of travel.  Information on registering can be found at the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Affairs website at http://travelregistration.state.gov or at the Embassy’s website at http://timor-leste.usembassy.gov.  Travel Alerts, Worldwide Cautions, and recent warden messages are posted on the Embassy website.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and health-information resources can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Embassy is located on Avenida de Portugal, Praia dos Coqueiros, Dili.  The 24-hour emergency telephone number is (670) 723-1328.  During regular business hours the Embassy can be reached at (670) 332-4684 or ConsDili@state.gov.