East Timor is set to hold presidential elections next year
The president of East Timor, José Ramos-Horta, said today that he will consult Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão
before deciding whether to run for re-election.
Ramos-Horta stressed that any presidential candidate should demonstrate full loyalty to Gusmão, warningthat it would be inconsistent to run with his support and later attempt to undermine the government.
The president also noted that Timor-Leste is now part of the ASEAN and should avoid internal political crisescaused by tensions between the presidency and the government.
He was referring to a past institutional impasse involving former president Francisco Guterres, who refused toappoint several government members proposed by former prime minister Taur Matan Ruak.
“If there is a really good candidate, they should be supported and must ensure they will work well with theprime minister. I am ready to step aside immediately. That is my only concern,” Ramos-Horta said.
In a previous interview, he had indicated he was “not at all motivated” to seek another term.
