Michael Leach
![Michael Leach](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/Leach_400x400.jpg)
Biography
Publications
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/
![Timor-Leste: comebacks and contests ahead of presidential elections](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/GettyImages-1237924286.jpg?itok=jrHxbFCu)
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.
![Timor-Leste’s floods and Covid lockdown aggravate political rifts](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/GettyImages-1232197473%20copy.jpg?itok=KLDmLafD)
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.
![A political impasse in Timor-Leste as coronavirus looms](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/GettyImages-1208566223-min.jpg?itok=NAoUtDsE)
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.
![In Timor-Leste, failed budget sparks a political crisis](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/6395936261_c1bd109929_o.jpg?itok=ZIaKtvJm)
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.
![Timor-Leste: A return to belligerent democracy?](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/GettyImages-544088734.jpg?itok=kjsi0g0e)
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.
![Timor-Leste heads for minority government](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/Fretilin.jpg?itok=SAHc_6Rd)
Timor-Leste heads for minority government
With this change in leadership, Timor Leste meets a key measure of democratic consolidation.
![Timor-Leste elections suggest reframed cross-party government](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/Fretilin.jpg?itok=SAHc_6Rd)
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.
![Timor-Leste election: Likely victory for Lu Olo suggests business as usual](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/cropped%20ET%20flags.jpg?itok=3833one1)
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
Pagination