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The newly formed Timor Leste parliament came into existence only in 2002 when the country was given a new republican status by the UN. Timor Leste parliament is modeled on the unicameral parliamentary system of its colonial ruler, Portugal. The head of the state of East Timor as well as the head of Timor Leste parliament is the President of the republic. The president is elected to his office through the process of a nationwide election wherein the people of East Timor get to cast their votes. The Timor leste parliament along with its President serve a 5 year term.
Although the President is regarded as the head of the Timor Leste parliament yet, he is merely a titular head with some limited powers to veto some legislations. The actual power within the republican set-up of Timor Leste is enjoyed by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President and is usually the head of the party or coalition which is able to garner the maximum number of seats within the Timor Leste parliament. The cabinet or the Council of State is works under the Prime Minister and is presided over by him.
All the members within the Timor Leste parliament is elected through a nationwide election wherein people cast their votes and they are liable to hold office for a 5 year term. The Constitution has stated that members of the parliament may range from 52 to 65 although at present this number is 88 because the Timor Leste parliament is only serving its first term in office. Although the Timor Leste parliament has been fully developed, other governmental ministries and institutes are still undergoing construction. The 88 members were originally elected to the constituent Assembly which was later transformed into the Timor Leste parliament through an amendment in the constitution.
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