An Analysis on the Legal Standing of Dissolution of Political Parties in The Court of Appeals of Timor-Leste

Abstract

Timor-Leste is a sovereign country. One way of demonstrating the sovereignty of the people is through the election among political parties competing seats in the Parliament. Political parties are the main pillars of democracy. The existence of political parties as a manifestation of the freedom of association is needed in a sovereign and democratic country. However, its existence must be in accordance with the existing legislation. Political parties are an essential part of democratic order because it manifests freedom of association as guaranteed in the constitution. If political parties carrying its activities out exclude the corridor that has been set, it could lead to being dissolved. The article aims to examine the idea of disbanding political parties have an impact on constitutional rights of citizens in association, the legal standing for the State to dissolve political parties through Court of Appeals of Timor-Leste and whether it violates constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of association as set in the Article 41 paragraph 1 of the Constitution. The method used is normative research method, enhanced with historical approach, and case approach.