The president of East Timor, José Ramos-Horta, said today that he will consult Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão before deciding whether to run for re-election.
“I have not yet made a decision, because whatever I do for this country, I always seek to consult and listen to Xanana Gusmão. That does not mean I simply follow everything he says,” Ramos-Horta told journalists at Dili airport after returning from a private visit to Indonesia.
East Timor is set to hold presidential elections next year.
“I have great confidence in Xanana and will support the option he considers to be the best contribution from me. If he chooses a new candidate, that will also be positive,” the head of state added.
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Ramos-Horta stressed that any presidential candidate should demonstrate full loyalty to Gusmão, warning that it would be inconsistent to run with his support and later attempt to undermine the government.
The president also noted that Timor-Leste is now part of the ASEAN and should avoid internal political crises caused by tensions between the presidency and the government.
He was referring to a past institutional impasse involving former president Francisco Guterres, who refused to appoint several government members proposed by former prime minister Taur Matan Ruak.
“If there is a really good candidate, they should be supported and must ensure they will work well with the prime minister. I am ready to step aside immediately. That is my only concern,” Ramos-Horta said.
In a previous interview, he had indicated he was “not at all motivated” to seek another term.
