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Timor-Leste: Government

Key Figures

Chief of State:
President José Ramos-Horta
Head of Government:
Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao

Overview

Government Name:
Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
Constitution:
Adopted: 2002; Recognizes Timor-Leste as an independent republic after centuries of Portuguese colonization from the 16th century. The Constitution contains provisions regarding intellectual property.
Government Type:
Semi-Presidential Republic
Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Flag
Coat of Arms of Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

Index of Economic Freedom

Grades each country on a scale of 0 to 100, based on ten freedoms, with 100 representing the greatest amount of economic autonomy from government intervention. Source: Heritage Foundation (2023)

Country Risk Rating

D
A high-risk political and economic situation and an often very difficult business environment can have a very significant impact on corporate payment behavior. Corporate default probability is very high. Source: Coface (2022)

Government Branches

Main Powers Election Process Election Cycle 1
Executive

Powers are somewhat limited by the constitution, but is able to veto legislation which can be overridden by the parliament.

President is elected by absolute majority vote through a two-round system, prime minister is appointed by the president.

5 years
Judicial

Independent courts, described as organs of sovereignty with competencies to administer justice in the name of the people.

Appointed by president.

4 years
Legislative

Pass relevant, well drafted legislation in a timely manner, provide a counterbalance to the powers of the presidency, and establish and maintain proper, efficient and effective communication between the various branches of government.

National Parliament members are elected through a closed-list proportional representation system.

5 years

Regional Trade Blocs

No Regional Trade Blocs

International Organization Participation [2]

Environmental Agreements [3]

Tax Information [2]

Tax Authority:
Information not available
Tax Name:
Information not available

Sources:

  1. ElectionGuide http://www.electionguide.org/
  2. EY, http://www.ey.com
  3. CIA World Factbook, https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
  4. U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/