Taur needs 5000 people to support him in announcing his presidential candidacy

Taur Matan Ruak

East Timor Legal News 13/09/2011 Source: Suara Timor Lorosae language source: Tetun - MP Aderito Hugo da Costa from the National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT) said if Taur Matan Ruak wants to announce his presidential candidacy then he needs 5000 people to support him to do so.

MP da Costa said that based on the relevant legal criteria, anyone who wants to announce his candidacy should have 5000 people who support him/her as it is necessary for registration.

"We should wait and see who will give their support. Personally I do not know who will support Taur. General Taur Matan Ruak has experience, capability, contribution, nationalism and patriotism, people will not question that," MP da Costa said.

He added that Taur Matan Ruak is a figure who contributed to the national liberation and has skills to lead the Timorese Defence Force (F-FDTL) institution.

MP da Costa made the statements because Major General Taur Matan Ruak had recently presented his resignation letter to the Government and President of Republic because it is believed that he will announce his candidacy to compete in the presidential election in 2012.