SJS7 - "Political Institutions in East Timor: Semi-presidentialism and Democratization"

SJS7 - "Political Institutions in East Timor: Semi-presidentialism and Democratization"

Source: Feijo, Rui Graca. “Political Institutions in East Timor: Semi-presidentialism and Democratization.” Contemporary Southeast Asia, vol. 38, no. 2, 2016, p. 318+. World History in Context.

Author Credentials: Not much background is given on the author of this article, although Feijo gives a thorough description of a book on independence in East Timor, which he clearly read. Feijo makes many connections and references to other works and people important to Timor. Feijo uses a very broad vocabulary, and he makes his journal sound very intellectual. Feijo's summary of Beuman's book and further analysis of Timor is very insightful, and his knowledge of Timor and its leaders is very great. Feijo provides much evidence to support his claims from historical events in Timor.

Summary: After Timor gained independence from Indonesia in 1999, the country had to develop its own political system. The United Nations was given the power to lay a foundation for a democratic policy in Timor. Eventually, Timor adopted semi-presidentalism, which is "a system in which a popularly elected fixed-term president exists alongside a prime minister and cabinet officials who are collectively responsible to the legislature." Feijo goes on to describe Lydia M. Beuman's book Political Institutions in East Timor: Semi-presidentialism and Democratization. Beuman describes the government in Timor as depending on parliamentary support, however Feijo argues that the presidents seem to withstand a strong position in the government. Overall, Feijo believes the government has very reliable and powerful presidents, and Timor does not need to rely on parliamentary support for the government to survive after they successfully gained independence. Timor just gained independence, and it is learning to cope with the peoples' needs, similar to the many other countries that gained independence long ago. Timor's new independence will most likely have a lasting impact on Southeast Asia and Indonesia, since it was a part of the country previously.

Analysis: Feijo provides a very strong argument with much description of why Timor is in good hands with its presidents. Feijo uses an abundance of historical evidence from past presidents to back him up, and he is not general either. The author states his opinions of what he views is occurring in Timor, and he backs his claims up with factual evidence. Feijo provides a clear passage with important facts that clearly show how Timor is doing after recently gaining independence.