José Ramos-Horta was the President of East Timor in 2008.

Acting presidents:

Ramos-Horta was critically injured in an assassination attempt on 2008 February 11.

Vicente Guterres was acting president from February 11 - 13.

Fernando de Araújo temporarily became acting president from February 13 to April 17, until Ramos-Horta returned as president.

José Ramos-Horta:

Originally the country's first Foreign Minister after it's final independence on 2002 May 20, Ramos-Horta also became Defence Minister on 2006 June 3 when the previous minister resigned. However shortly after on June 25, he resigned both posts in protest of Prime Minister Alkatiri. Then on July 8, Ramos-Horta was appointed Prime Minister himself. He eventually became the country's second president in 2007 May 20.

The next presidential election is on 2012 March 17, with the current term expected to end on 2012 May 20. Ramos-Horta was initially reluctant to run for a second term, but decided to after shows of grassroots support.