ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the effect of cohabitation on the relationship between the president, prime minister and cabinet and parliamentary majority in the period 2002-2006. It discusses whether the empirical findings correspond to arguments about cohabitation. The chapter shows that lots of conflict occurred between President Gusmo and Prime Minister Alkatiri on the one hand, and between President Gusmo and the FRETILIN parliamentary majority on the other. The chapter denotes that the semi-presidential system provided a forum where existing opposing political preferences could be expressed. The inclusion of political opponents within the government system delayed decision making and led to contradictory politics, in particular, in the areas of foreign affairs and defence. The absence of enabling legislation demonstrates that the presidency was weakened due to the Parliaments failure to pass the necessary legislation. The main findings are presented into three separate sections: Presidential activism in the legislative domain, Presidential activism in the appointment and dismissal process and Proclamatory powers.
