Former President, José Ramos-Horta eyes 2017 presidential election

This is great reporting by the local paper, Independente. The 29th of August edition publishes (in English) on the much rumoured presidential ambitions of the former president, and Noble laureate, Dr. José Ramos-Horta.

Other candidates who have indicated the intention to run include José Neves "Samalarua" (José is a popular local name), a former commissioner at the Anti Corruption Commission, or CAC as it is known locally. José is part of the "younger" generation, or those who were too young during the 1974/75 events, or who were born post-Indonesian invasion. Click here for José Neves' Facebook campaign page. Certainly the main political parties will also advance with their own candidates. But will there be anyone or any party backing the former president?

The 2017 elections, presidential and legislative, will be a significant moment in Timor-Leste's history. First, it will be the first elections held withhout the presence a UN mission. Then there is the transitional leadership, so leaders who emerged post-Indonesian invasion will be stepping up. Then there are those 30 odd political parties currently registered for a stake in the general elections - it will be a crowded affair.