The comment came as Fretilin has dismissed calls to form an opposition coalition, putting the spotlight onto minor parties and where their allegiance will fall under the new government.

Timor-Leste’ parliament has been frozen since `January when parties blocked Fretilin’s budget and state plan.

The incoming government will face big challenges, especially as the clock is ticking fast on its disappearing oil and gas reserves.

Oil and gas pay for the bulk of government spending but oil revenues are in steep decline and the country has few other productive economic sectors.

About 60 percent of Timor-Leste’s population is under 25, according to the World Bank, while some 40 percent of its people live in poverty.

Providing jobs for young people and reining in public spending – especially on large infrastructure projects – will be key tasks for the new government, commentators say.