Dili, January 15 (AseanAll)  — The President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, J. Ramos-Horta, received the President of the Court of Appeal, Afonso Carmona, on January 15, 2026 at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace for an official briefing on the state of the nation’s judiciary.

During the meeting, Afonso Carmona reported that the court system currently comprises 32 permanent judges and 12 trainee judges. He also highlighted the ongoing evaluation processes intended to fill counselor and appellate judge positions, ensuring that the judicial system remains robust and properly prepared for the coming year.

The meeting also addressed recent rulings regarding constitutional compliance and the role of the executive branch in legislative matters. Emphasizing the independence of the judiciary and the necessity of legislative follow-up, Carmona stated:

“The important thing is the Court’s decision; if it is declared unconstitutional, it cannot be applied. Therefore, the Law must be amended by Parliament.”

He reaffirmed that all parties must strictly comply with procedural rules in order to preserve the integrity of the legal system.

Finally, the President of the Court provided an update on the pending judicial review regarding the Life Pension Law. He informed the Head of State that the process is following the necessary legal channels under the guidance of the presiding judges. Carmona noted that there is no fixed deadline for the final decision, as the Court remains committed to a rigorous and impartial process in defense of the Rule of Law in Timor-Leste.