Since registration opened on 15 January, prominent candidates who signed up include the wife of current Prime Minister Isabel Fereira, current President of the Republic Francisco Guterres Lu Olo, former chief of staff of Timor-Leste’s armed forces Lere Anan Timur, Khunto party’s Armanda Berta, Peace Prize winner and lecturer Antero Benedito da Silva , and independent candidates Felisberto dos Santos and Milena Pires.

The candidates must demonstrate support from 100 people in each municipality.

Potential candidates have until 4 February to formally enter the race to replace outgoing President Francisco Guterres Lu Olo.