23 October 2017

From the Indonesian Press - Losing Votes in Parliament, Government of Timor Leste Facing Uncertainty

!warning machine translation! Metrotvnews.com Marcheilla Ariesta Friday, 20 Oct 2017 14:04 WIB  Dili: Timor-Leste's new government suffered a setback after the opposition's victory in parliament. As a result of their position, the opposition parties vetoed the government's policy program.

The Fretilin party, which won elections in July by a narrow margin, did not get enough votes to govern itself. The vote defeat in the parliament made their situation a mess.

Therefore, this party formed a minority coalition with its ally party, the Democratic Party.

Quoted from the AFP page, Friday, October 20, 2017, with only 30 seats, the government relies on trust and offers from other parties in parliament.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri says defeat in parliament becomes 'poison' for his government. "I ask everyone to stay calm, I will come to you and talk to you," Alkatiri said, crying after voting.


The Draft Law (draft) outlines the government's strategic plan for the young democracy over the next five years. The bill has been launched for initiatives to improve health infrastructure, better infrastructure and access to clean water.

East Timorese analyst Damien Kingsbury from Deakin University Australia said if the government fails to pass the law, the country can return to the polls.

"The president has two choices he must call for a majority in parliament to elect a new leader, and appoint a new prime minister, possibly in January next year, the most likely outcome at this stage," he said.

Opposition parties, including CNRT, PLP and Khunto say that minority governments are currently unconstitutional with unrealistic programs. While the government intends to go ahead with their work.

"We will continue to work even though the opposition does not believe in our program," cried the prime minister.

East Timor had been a part of Indonesia from 1976 to 1999. The former Portuguese colony became independent in 2002. While still part of Indonesia, this region was named East Timor and, after independence, they changed its name to Timor Leste.

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