East Timor
Date: 21 April 2022 Tags: Geography & EnvironmentIssue
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
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The territory of Leste Timor was under Portuguese control since the 18th century till 1975, when they withdrew.
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Following withdrawal, Indonesian troops invaded and annexed East Timor as 27th province. It had to endure a long bloody struggle for independence.
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In an UN-supervised referendum, the residents voted for independence. The country was finally recognised by UN in 2002.
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The nation had applied for membership of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It was granted an observer status.
Government model
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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.
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Many of the resistance heroes continue to hold positions of power and feature prominently in the running of the country.
Economy
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The country is dependent on offshore oil and gas reserves which account for 90% of its gross domestic product.
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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.
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The government has been criticized for failing to capitalise on its natural resources to fund development and diversify its economy.
Location
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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.
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Majority of its population are Roman Catholic. The country is in vicinity of Australia and Papua New Guinea.