Politics of East Timor

Politics of East Timor takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister of East Timor is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the National Parliament. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.The Timorese constitution was modelled on that of Portugal. The country is still in the process of building its administration and governmental institutions.

Executive branch

The Head of state of the East Timorese republic is the president, who is elected by popular vote for a five-year term and whose role is largely symbolic, though he is able to veto some legislation. Following elections, the president appoints as the prime minister, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition. As head of government the prime minister presides over the Council of State or cabinet.

President
José Ramos-Horta
Independent
May 20, 2007
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Prime Minister
Xanana Gusmão
CNRT
August 8, 2007

Legislative branch

The unicameral Timorese National Parliament ("Parlamento Nacional") has 88 members, 13 elected in single seat constituencies and 75 elected by proportional representation for a five-year term. The number of seats can vary from a minimum of 52 to a maximum of 65, though it exceptionally has 88 members at present, due to this being its first term of office.The East Timorese constitution was modelled on that of Portugal. The country is still in the process of building its administration and governmental institutions.

Political parties and elections

Judicial branch

The Supreme Court of Justice has one judge appointed by the National Parliament and the rest appointed by the Superior Council for the Judiciary.

Administrative divisions

East Timor is divided into thirteen administrative districts:columns
col1 =1. Lautém 2. Baucau 3. Viqueque 4. Manatuto 5. Dili
col2 =6. Aileu 7. Manufahi 8. Liquiçá 9. Ermera
col3 =10. Ainaro 11. Bobonaro 12. Cova-Lima 13. Oecussi-Ambeno

The districts are subdivided into 65 subdistricts, 443 sucos and 2,336 towns, villages and hamlets. PDFlink| [http://www.unmiset.org/legal/RDTL-Law/RDTL-Minist-Orders/Decree-Order-2003-6.pdf] |213 KiB

External links

* [http://www.timor-leste.gov.tl/index.asp Official Web Gateway to the Government of Timor-Leste]