President of Timor-Leste facts for kids

Quick facts for kids President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
Coat of arms of East Timor
Incumbent José Ramos-Horta since 20 May 2022
Style	His Excellency
Residence	Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace
Seat	Dili
Appointer	Direct election
Term length	Five years, renewable once, either consecutively or non-consecutively
Constituting instrument	Constitution of East Timor
Precursor	Governor of East Timor
Formation	28 November 1975; 49 years ago (1975-11-28) (Proclamation of Independence day) 20 May 2002; 23 years ago (2002-05-20) (East Timor independence)
First holder	Francisco Xavier do Amaral Xanana Gusmão
Abolished	17 July 1976; 48 years ago (1976-07-17) (Indonesian invasion of East Timor)
Deputy	President of the National Parliament
Salary	US$30,000 annually

The President of East Timor is the leader of the country of East Timor, also known as the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. This person is the head of state, which means they are the official representative of the country.

Even though the president has some important jobs, their main powers are limited. They are also the head of the Council of State. The president can stop new laws from being passed and is the top commander of the country's army, the Timor Leste Defence Force.

Who Has Been President of East Timor?

East Timor has had several presidents throughout its history. Some served during the fight for independence, and others after the country became fully independent.

Presidents During the Fight for Independence

During the time East Timor was fighting to become independent, two important leaders served as president. They led the country during a very challenging period.

     Fretilin      National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT)      Democratic Party (PD)      Independent

Symbols

† Assassinated

No.	Portrait	Name (Birth–Death)	Elected	Term of office			Political party
				Took office	Left office	Time in office
1		Francisco Xavier do Amaral (1939–2012)	—	28 November 1975	7 December 1975	9 days	Fretilin
2		Nicolau dos Reis Lobato (1946–1978)		7 December 1975	31 December 1978†	3 years, 24 days	Fretilin

Presidents of Independent East Timor

After gaining full independence in 2002, East Timor began electing its presidents. These leaders have helped shape the country's future.

No.	Portrait	Name (Birth–Death)	Elected	Term of office			Political party
				Took office	Left office	Time in office
3		Xanana Gusmão (born 1946)	2002	20 May 2002	20 May 2007	5 years	Independent
4		José Ramos-Horta (born 1949)	2007	20 May 2007	20 May 2012	5 years	Independent
–		Vicente Guterres (born 1956) Ad interim	—	11 February 2008	13 February 2008	2 days	CNRT
–		Fernando de Araújo (1962–2015) Ad interim		13 February 2008	17 April 2008	64 days	PD
5		Taur Matan Ruak (born 1956)	2012	20 May 2012	20 May 2017	5 years	Independent
6		Francisco Guterres (born 1954)	2017	20 May 2017	20 May 2022	5 years	Fretilin
7		José Ramos-Horta (born 1949)	2022	20 May 2022	Incumbent	3 years, 35 days	CNRT

How Presidents Are Chosen

The president of East Timor is chosen by the people through an election. The most recent election was held in 2022.

See Also

In Spanish: Presidente de Timor Oriental para niños

• Politics of East Timor
• History of East Timor
• List of colonial governors of Portuguese Timor
• Prime Minister of East Timor
• First Lady of East Timor