Martial and Ritual Arts Groups in the formation of Political Parties in Timor-Leste

Martial and ritual arts groups are a set combination of sports activities in both physical and spiritual accomplishments to protect or defend themselves. This activity was banned a few years ago and decriminalized recently in 2022. However, the existence of these two sports activities reveals a significant controversial debate. This article attempts to analyze the relationship between the presence of political parties, especially the history of parties in Timor-Leste, then continues with a critical analysis of the relations of these groups in the formation of Political Parties in Timor-Leste in the current developments. This article used a secondary data approach, collected from the report documents from the government, non-governmental organizations, and academic publications from similar research. The results of this study indicate that there is indeed an interest in political parties. However, despite the motivation that mobilized this organization’s mass into political party affiliation, the influence of martial arts and ritual groups began to be the backbone of political parties’ support.