Dili, May 9, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The opposition bloc, composed of the Revolutionary Front for an Independent Timor-Leste (FRETILIN) and the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), has submitted Judicial Organization Law No. 4/2025 of 28 April to the Court of Appeal, requesting an abstract review of the law.
In an interview, FRETILIN MP Joaquim dos Santos “Boraluli” explained that the presence of the opposition bloc at the Court of Appeal was to formally request the court to conduct an abstract review of the Judicial Organization Law, as they consider Article 76, paragraph A, to be unconstitutional and in conflict with constitutional principles.
“The FRETILIN and PLP benches have submitted a complaint to the Court of Appeal regarding Law No. 4/2025, which was recently approved by Parliament and promulgated by the President of the Republic. This law contains a transitional provision in Article 76, paragraph A, that gives authority to the President of the Republic to appoint a new President of the Court, which we believe violates the Constitution. That’s why we are asking the Court of Appeal, in its role as the Supreme Court, to evaluate the constitutionality of this provision,” said Joaquim to journalists after submitting the document to the Court on Thursday.
He added that the opposition hopes the Court of Appeal will rule in their favor by declaring the provision unconstitutional, but acknowledged that the final decision rests solely with the Court.
“We consider Article 76, paragraph A of Law No. 4/2025 to be unconstitutional, but we will await the Court’s ruling to confirm it. What we have done is submit the facts and request the Court to carry out an abstract review of the constitutionality,” he affirmed.
Joaquim further noted that there is no specific deadline for an abstract review of this Judicial Organization Law, as the timeline depends on the internal work schedule of the Court of Appeal in processing the request. Thus, the opposition bench awaits the Court’s decision.
Meanwhile, PLP MP David Dias Ximenes “Mandati” stated that the PLP opposition bloc also submitted a request to the Court of Appeal asking for a proper abstract review of the Judicial Organization Law, which, in the view of the opposition bloc, contains unconstitutional provisions.
He stated that the opposition bloc believes some articles of the law are unconstitutional, but it is ultimately up to the Court to decide.
“We are all waiting for the decision from the Court of Appeal, as only the court can determine whether the law is unconstitutional or not,” he concluded.
To clarify further, Article 76, paragraph A of the Judicial Organization Law No. 4/2025 of 28 April includes an amendment that gives the President of the Republic the authority to appoint a second-class judge to assume duties in the Court of Appeal.
Report: Domingas
Photo: Domingas