Armanda Berta dos Santos facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Armanda Berta dos Santos
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Santos in 2020
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| Deputy Prime Minister of East Timor | |
| In office 29 May 2020 – 1 July 2023 Serving with José Reis
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| Prime Minister | Taur Matan Ruak |
| Preceded by | Office re-established |
| Succeeded by |
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| Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion | |
| In office 22 June 2018 – 1 July 2023 |
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| Prime Minister | Taur Matan Ruak |
| Preceded by | Florentina da Conceição Pereira Martins Smith |
| Succeeded by | Verónica das Dores |
| Member of the National Parliament | |
| In office 2017–2018 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 11 October 1974
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| Political party | KHUNTO |
| Spouse | José dos Santos Bucar |
Armanda Berta dos Santos (born 11 October 1974) is an important politician from East Timor. She is the leader of a political party called Kmanek Haburas Unidade Nasional Timor Oan (KHUNTO).
From May 2020 to July 2023, Armanda Berta dos Santos served as one of East Timor's two Deputy Prime Ministers. A Deputy Prime Minister helps the Prime Minister lead the country. She worked in the government led by Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak.
She was also the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion. This means she was in charge of government programs that help people in need. She held this role from June 2018 until July 2023.
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Early Life and Education
Armanda Berta dos Santos was born on October 11, 1974. She grew up in a village called Maloa, in the Ainaro area of what was then Portuguese Timor. This area is now part of East Timor.
She comes from a family that lived in the countryside and did not have much money. Later in her life, she earned a Master's degree in Governance Management. This degree helps people learn how to manage government and public services.
Political Journey
Armanda Berta dos Santos has been the leader of the KHUNTO party since it started in 2011.
First Elections
In the 2012 East Timorese parliamentary election, her party, KHUNTO, received almost 3% of the votes. To get members into the National Parliament, a party needed to reach a 3% "electoral threshold." This is a minimum percentage of votes needed to win seats. KHUNTO missed this by only 150 votes.
In the 2017 election, Santos was elected to the National Parliament. She was the main candidate for her party.
Becoming a Minister
In an early election in 2018, Santos was again elected to the National Parliament. Her party, KHUNTO, was part of a group called the Alliance for Change and Progress (AMP).
On June 22, 2018, she became the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion. Because she became a minister, she had to leave her seat in the Parliament.
In March 2020, Armanda Berta dos Santos was chosen again to be the leader of the KHUNTO party. She would lead the party until 2024.
Deputy Prime Minister Role
In 2020, the AMP group had some disagreements. However, KHUNTO decided to keep supporting the government.
On May 12, 2020, the government created two new positions for Deputy Prime Ministers. On May 29, 2020, Santos was sworn in as one of these Deputy Prime Ministers. She also continued to be the Minister for Social Solidarity and Inclusion.
Soon after, she helped launch a program to give money to families. This was part of the government's plan to help people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Presidential Election Campaign
While she was Deputy Prime Minister, Santos also ran for president in the 2022 East Timorese presidential election.
During her campaign, she spoke about the importance of using local languages. She pointed out that most people in East Timor, including herself, would not understand a debate held only in Portuguese.
In the first round of the election, she came in third place out of 16 candidates. She received 56,690 votes, which was about 8.7% of all votes. This result showed a shift towards younger leaders and more women in politics.
Armanda Berta dos Santos finished her time as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister on July 1, 2023. This was when a new government, the IX Constitutional Government, took office.
Personal Life
Armanda Berta dos Santos is married to José dos Santos Naimori Bucar. He is the leader of a group called Kmanek Oan Rai Klaran (KORK). This group is known for its traditional arts.
José dos Santos Naimori Bucar also founded the KHUNTO party. However, he chose to be an adviser, and Armanda Berta dos Santos became the party's leader.
