Dili, Oct. 7, 2026 (Lusa) - Opposition parties in the Timor-Leste parliament emphasised on Wednesday the importance of good governance and transparency after approving an amendment to the law that adjusts the Court of Auditors' oversight powers.

On Tuesday, parliament approved amendments to the Organic Law of the Chamber of Accounts of the High Administrative, Tax and Audit Court, which raises the threshold above which prior approval is required to $25 million.

Until now, the Chamber of Accounts' oversight and prior approval were required for expenditures of $5 million or more.

The Revolutionary Front for an Independent Timor-Leste (Fretilin) and the People's Liberation Party (PLP), in the opposition, stated in a press release that the amendment «may increase the risk of projects being carried out without due regard for the principles of transparency and accountability in the management of public resources».

The opposition called on the public to monitor the implementation of the new law, which could «facilitate the implementation of state projects without strict compliance with legal and administrative procedures, thereby increasing the risk of corrupt practices and the misuse of public funds».

The government explained that the amendment aims to focus the Court of Auditors' scrutiny on «contracts with a significant macro-financial and asset-related impact on the state, whilst streamlining procedures for smaller-scale matters».

The amendment also frees up the Court of Auditors' resources «to enable it to exercise its supervisory powers more thoroughly».

The government also said experience to date has shown that the volume of cases submitted for prior approval has caused significant bottlenecks in the work of the public administration, particularly in implementing annual planning and developing essential infrastructure.

DPYF/ADB // ADB.

Lusa