Twenty-five political parties have officially registered to contest the 2017 general elections.
President of National Commission of Election (CNE) Alcino Barris said the figure included four newly established parties.
“There are 25 political parties ready to contest [the election], but that number will decrease once the [campaign] process is running,” Barris said in Dili.
Initially, there were 29 parties registered with CNE, but that number has since dropped to 25 after some parties joined a coalition.
President Taur Matan Ruak confirmed on January 16 that the presidential election would be held on March 20.
He said presidential candidates must now make an official declaration of their intention to run.
Twelve political parties contested the 2001 general elections, 14 in 2014 and 21 in 2012.
National MP Albina Marçal said although 25 political parties was a large number, it was permitted in a democratic system and under the law.
“This is democracy, but the decision is in the people’s hands,” she said.
Local resident Manuel Henrique said it was important to maintain security during the democratic process.
“[We] should have good plan to help give people a better life and guarantee that there is no more instability in the country,” he said.
