🇹🇱 Timor-Leste
Republic, unitary state, semi-presidential systemElectoral democracy
José Ramos-Horta
President · 1,611 days in office
How the political system works in Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste is governed as a republic with a unitary state, semi-presidential system. Its president, José Ramos-Horta, has led the country since May 20, 2022. Timor-Leste has had 5 presidents since 1975. Under the Regimes of the World classification, it counts as an electoral democracy.
Tenure records
Longest-serving
José Ramos-Horta
3,438 days · 2 terms
Shortest-serving
Francisco Xavier do Amaral
9 days
Average tenure
1,463 days
José Ramos-Horta: 10% above average
Female leaders
0 of 5
All male to date
Recent presidents by days in office
All presidents of Timor-Leste
| # | Name | Took office | Left office | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 |  José Ramos-Horta | May 20, 2022 | Incumbent | 1,611 |
| 5 |  Francisco Guterres | May 20, 2017 | May 20, 2022 | 1,826 |
| 4 |  Taur Matan Ruak | May 20, 2012 | May 20, 2017 | 1,826 |
| 3 | José Ramos-Horta | May 20, 2007 | May 20, 2012 | 1,827 |
| 2 |  Xanana Gusmão | May 20, 2002 | May 20, 2007 | 1,826 |
| 1 |  Francisco Xavier do Amaral | Nov 28, 1975 | Dec 7, 1975 | 9 |
Officeholder history via Wikidata. Multiple rows for one person indicate separate terms.
Frequently asked questions
- Who is the President of Timor-Leste?
- José Ramos-Horta has been President of Timor-Leste since May 20, 2022.
- How is the leader of Timor-Leste chosen?
- Timor-Leste is governed as a republic with a unitary state, semi-presidential system. Its president, José Ramos-Horta, has led the country since May 20, 2022. Timor-Leste has had 5 presidents since 1975. Under the Regimes of the World classification, it counts as an electoral democracy.
- Who is the longest-serving President of Timor-Leste?
- José Ramos-Horta, with 3,438 days in office across 2 terms.
- Has Timor-Leste ever had a female president?
- No. All 5 presidents of Timor-Leste to date have been men.