In an interview with the Independente on Wednesday, Lú Olo said there would be “large implications” for the implementation of government programs if the cabinet remained incomplete.

Lú Olo has been challenged over his decision on June 22 to reject nine of the government’s nominated cabinet picks because of their involvement in corruption investigations.

Lú Olo was also questioned about a deadline for finalising the cabinet, but sidestepped the point referring to a shift in pressing Presidential priorities.

"We will discuss the members of the government who have not yet been appointed at other times," Lú Olo said.

Pressed further on his progress with Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak on the issue, Lú Olo acknowledged that a way to overcome the stalemate had not been found.

However, he said ensuring Timor-Leste had a functioning government structure remained the joint authority of the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister.

The comments came after several leaders of the Alliance for Change and Progress (AMP) coalition government demanded evidence for the rejection of nominated cabinet members late last month.