Career
He was elected President of the National Parliament without opposition in July 2012. He became Acting President of East Timor after President José Ramos-Horta was injured in an attack on his home on 11 February 2008. As Acting President, he proclaimed a two-day State of Emergency on 12 February.
After his return from Portugal, the President of National Parliament, Fernando de Araújo, took over presidency on 13 February.