East Timor’s first presidential election since 2002
Voting has taken place in East Timor’s first presidential election since independence from Indonesia in 2002.
Many are hoping the vote will help resolve political tensions and instability in the troubled nation.
Prime Minister Jose Ramos-Horta, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, is one of eight candidates seeking to replace Xanana Gusmao, who is stepping down.
Clashes last summer between rival military factions resulted in street violence that left 30 people dead.
“I’m happy because we have the right to vote for people to choose the right president,” said Mr Gusmao as he waited to cast his vote.
Mr Gusmao has said he intends to run for prime minister in general elections set for June that will decide a new parliament and government.
UN support
Some 3,000 international police and troops were on the streets to provide security for the polls.
These troops - mainly Australian - have been in East Timor since June last year to help stabilise the country after the clashes, which caused thousands to flee their homes.
The United Nations had been planning to leave the country but is now back in force helping to run this election.