The statement came on Friday, less than four weeks before the vote.

The FM statement said the next president must prioritise three areas - guaranteeing national stability and security, guaranteeing the state’s transparent and democratic functioning and foreign relations, diplomacy and strategic policy.

“Timor-Leste is at a critical juncture in its history and faces economic insecurity and uncertain defence and security policies. The new PR must ensure economic security in the country through a strategic external engagement plan which can take advantage of the growth in the international market and security cooperation with external partners,” the statement said.  

FM said the presidential candidates must have leadership capacity to promote human resources in key areas such as infrastructure, industry, education and security, and a will to improve the performance of national police and national defence force.

The organisation also called for a president to resolve the issue of illegal martial arts groups, saying that “much of the domestic insecurity during the last ten years seen and felt by Timorese people relates to ongoing conflict and feuds between MAGs.”

“Finally, to fulfil the idea of “bringing Timor to the world and the world to Timor”, PR must lead diplomatic activities related to economic development, security cooperation and external relations, including Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN and relations with neighbouring countries and the Asia-Pacific.