Current Affairs

Issue

The final round of Presidential elections will be held in East Timor also known as Timor Leste.

 

Background

Nobel laureate Jose Ramos-Horta is contesting against incumbent leader Francisco “Lu Olo” Guterres.

 

Details

• The territory of Leste Timor was under Portuguese control since the 18th century till 1975, when they withdrew.

• Following withdrawal, Indonesian troops invaded and annexed East Timor as 27th province. It had to endure a long bloody struggle for independence.

• In an UN-supervised referendum, the residents voted for independence. The country was finally recognised by UN in 2002.

• The nation had applied for membership of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It was granted an observer status.

 

Government model

• It follows the Presidential system wherein he/she shares some executive powers and appoints a government. He/she also has powers to dissolve the Parliament.

• Many of the resistance heroes continue to hold positions of power and feature prominently in the running of the country. 

 

Economy

• The country is dependent on offshore oil and gas reserves which account for 90% of its gross domestic product.

• It splits its revenues with Australia from the Greater Sunrise gas field. It is planning to convert some empty gas field into carbon capture facilities.

• The government has been criticized for failing to capitalise on its natural resources to fund development and diversify its economy.

 

Location

• The country is located in the Indian Ocean region and comprises the eastern half of Timor Island, the western half of which is part of Indonesia.

• Majority of its population are Roman Catholic. The country is in vicinity of Australia and Papua New Guinea.