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Michael Leach

Michael Leach is a Professor in Politics and International Relations at Swinburne University of Technology. He has published widely on the politics of Timor-Leste, and is a founder of the Timor-Leste Studies Association. http://tlstudies.org/

Articles by Michael Leach (10)

Michael Leach 24 Jan 2022

Timor-Leste: comebacks and contests ahead of presidential elections

Jose Ramos-Horta hopes to win back his old job – Xanana Gusmão, too – while Fretilin’s own leadership question looms.
Michael Leach 23 Apr 2021

Timor-Leste’s floods and Covid lockdown aggravate political rifts

Mounting crises raise questions about infrastructure spending, the uses of oil wealth and the need for elite consensus.
Michael Leach 31 Mar 2020

A political impasse in Timor-Leste as coronavirus looms

A government of national unity might be desirable right now, but such a prospect seems remote.
Michael Leach 20 Jan 2020

In Timor-Leste, failed budget sparks a political crisis

Instability looms as the largest party in the governing coalition abstains on the budget proposed by its own government.
Michael Leach 23 Oct 2017

Timor-Leste: A return to belligerent democracy?

Timor-Leste is at risk of losing the hard-won ground of political stability forged over the last decade.
Michael Leach 15 Sep 2017

Timor-Leste heads for minority government

With this change in leadership, Timor Leste meets a key measure of democratic consolidation.
Michael Leach 24 Jul 2017

Timor-Leste elections suggest reframed cross-party government

FRETILIN has received the largest share of the vote but the PLP could be the party to watch in the future.
Michael Leach 21 Mar 2017

Timor-Leste election: Likely victory for Lu Olo suggests business as usual

It seems participation in the resistance to the Indonesia occupation remains the cornerstone of political legitimacy in Timor-Leste
Michael Leach 20 Jul 2016

The PCA ruling, Australia and Timor-Leste