National Parliament Of East Timor
The National Parliament (Tetum: Parlamentu Nasionál, Portuguese: Parlamento Nacional) is the unicameral national legislature in East Timor. It was created in 2001 as the Constituent Assembly while the country was still under the supervision of the United Nations, but renamed itself to the National Parliament with the attaining of national independence on May 20, 2002.
The number of members of the parliament may range between 52 and 65; it started with 88 members, due to the Constituent Assembly's decision to reform as the National Parliament rather than holding new elections. All members serve five-year terms. Members are elected by a party-list system. The parliament sits in the National Parliament Building in the capital, Dili, which was specially refurbished with AUD 1.8 million of Australian aid assistance in the leadup to independence.
As with many other nations, the party most able to gain a working majority in the parliament forms a government. The members of parliament subsequently elect the head of government, the Prime Minister, who is currently Xanana Gusmão. Legislation in some areas may be vetoed by the directly elected head of state, the President, though this is largely a ceremonial role.
There is universal franchise for all citizens over the age of 17, although voting is not compulsory.
Read more about National Parliament Of East Timor: Presidents of The National Parliament of East Timor, Latest Election
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