The organisation said the competition aimed to “promote” political cartooning talent in Timor-Leste.

 “Political cartoons, comics, and caricatures serve as dynamic and creative expressions within thriving democracies,” Fundasaun Mahein said.

“In many Asian nations, however, political cartoonists who expose, criticize, or satirize political leaders, often face the risk of intimidation or even imprisonment.”

The call for “cartoons, caricature or a comic strip (limited to a maximum of three frames)” is open to Timorese artists and amateur illustrators living in Timor-Leste. 

The organisation said submitted artwork must address one of the national security, public safety, or foreign policy issues.

Recently, Fundasaun Mahein produced Timor-Leste’s first political cartoon, which is available on its website.

This cartoon portrays the Prime Minister riding a crocodile (symbolizing Timor-Leste) towards the perilous ‘fiscal cliff’ (symbolizing the decline in petroleum revenue).

The artwork depicts Timorese citizens tugging on a rope tied to the crocodile’s tail, symbolising their effort to prevent the Prime Minister from leading Timor-Leste into economic catastrophe.

The competition deadline for submissions is October 27, 2023. Entries must be submitted on one page.

The contest winner will receive $200, runner-up $100 and third place entrant $50 in prize money, FM said.