Intimidation failed in East Timor. Despite threats and violence, a stunning 98.6 percent of registered voters turned in ballots in Monday's referendum on the territory's future. Sadly, the peace on voting day was only a lull; violence resumed when the polls closed. Worse, it has become clear that the anti-independence militias operate with the approval, if not the connivance, of the Indonesian authorities. This is a violation of the terms of the referendum and of the Indonesian government's international obligations. The violence must stop and the voting results must be respected.
During the runup to the ballot, pro- and anti-independence forces repeatedly clashed. The number of people killed and wounded is in the hundreds. Thousands fled their homes. It was widely reported -- and vehemently denied by the government -- that anti-independence militias enjoyed support from the military and the Indonesian establishment. After a brief pause for the vote, the violence resumed, and the suspicions have been confirmed.
Reportedly, four people have been killed since the vote. U.N. officials overseeing the referendum have condemned the government inaction and the descent into lawlessness. A civil war is likely if, as expected, the vote is for independence.