The comments come amid increasing public concern about on-going conflict between political heavy-weight, Xanana Gusmao, and the President of the Republic, Francisco Lu Olo Guterres.

Timor-Leste has struggled to achieve a stable government, and the stalemate has persisted since Guterres rejected some ministers from Gusmao’s National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction party proposed by Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak after the May 2018 elections over graft inquires.

As things stand, no clear sign is discernible as to the solution for the impasse and nine cabinet seats remain empty.

Timur said Lu Olo and Gusmao must reconcile differences based on the nation’s constitution.

Section 107 of the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (CRDTL) states that “the Government shall be accountable to the President of the Republic and to the National Parliament for conducting and executing the domestic and foreign policy in accordance with the Constitution and the law.” 

In his mass service on Friday, the Bishop of Dili, Dom Virgilio do Carmo said politicians must inspire people and “lead the nation with dignity and concern with national interests.”

Some commentators close to Dili have suggested that the stale-mate between the President and government calls for a discussion of the role of the president in the Timorese political system.

Such aspects include the power of presidents regarding the appointment of governments and  what kind of protection the constitution can award to presidents against moves to challenge his authority and eventually bring him before the courts.