Dili, August 21, 2026 (Media Democracia) – Former Prime Minister Rui Maria de Araújo, together with the former Minister of Health and team, visit the Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration (STAE) in Caicoli, Dili, to request and receive information on the criteria and electoral process for candidacy for the position of President of the Republic, on Wednesday (19/08).
According to Rui Maria de Araújo, as a citizen he took the initiative to obtain information on the electoral process for the presidential election that will be held next year.
“As a citizen, I took the initiative to come and ask for information about the electoral process for next year’s presidential election,” said Rui Maria de Araújo at STAE Caicoli.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Director-General of STAE, Elviro Fernandes Moniz, together with the team, for providing an explanation about the law, requirements and candidacy process for the position of President of the Republic.
Rui Maria de Araújo said that the explanation from STAE is an important basis for him and the team supporting him, to prepare well because there is an intention to run for President of the Republic for the 2027–2032 term.
“I thank the Director-General of STAE together with the directors very much, because today they explained the electoral process according to the laws and regulations that exist. This becomes an important basis for my-self and the team supporting me, to prepare the process and the intention to run for President of the Republic,” he said.
He emphasized that, at this moment, he doesn’t yet consider this visit and consultation as an official candidacy, because the date of the presidential election has not yet been set.
On the other hand, the Director-General of STAE, Elviro Fernandes Moniz, said that STAE is ready to provide information to all citizens who have the intention to run for President of the Republic, especially regarding the process and legal framework.
“Dr. Rui intends to run and they want to come and ask for information about the requirements. STAE presented the requirements and the legal framework, and we are ready to facilitate all Timorese citizens who want to obtain information about the candidacy process,” said Elviro Fernandes Moniz.
Report By: Trainees Lourenço and Nicodemos
Photo: Trainee Nicodemos