The Legislative Process in Timor-Leste


Law-making in Timor-Leste

As stated in the Constitution, the Democratic Republic of East Timor is a democratic, sovereign, independent and unitary State based on the rule of law, the will of the people and the respect for the dignity of the human person.

In Timor-Leste, laws can take the form of:

  1. Legislation enacted by Parliament; or
  2.  Decree laws and other legal acts issued by the Government (through the Council of Ministers).

The Constitution also recognizes international law and provides that Timor-Leste’s legal system shall adopt the general or customary principles of international law as well as those rules provided for in conventions, treaties and agreements that apply in Timor-Leste.

Because the legislative scheme in Timor-Leste is still in the process of being completed, some Indonesian laws and laws of the United Nations Transitional Administration (UNTAET) remain in force.

For further information about law-making in East Timor please see the attached Information Sheet. (English)