East Timor votes in presidential run-off poll

Dili, May 9: A presidential run-off poll in tiny East Timor got off to a smooth start today, an EU observer said, as voters faced a choice between Prime Minister Jose Ramos-Horta and former guerrilla fighter Francisco Guterres.

The first-round vote a month ago brought complaints of widespread irregularities, stoking concerns of instability in one of the world's poorest nations as it struggles to heal divisions five years after it won independence from Indonesia.

Dili appeared calm and at a polling station in an elementary school voters were quietly queuing to cast their ballots, amid relaxed security as a couple of UN police looked on.

''I voted for the future of the country. I hope the new president can build Timor Leste better,'' said Albina Pereira, 22, after casting her vote, referring to East Timor's official name.

Ramos-Horta and Guterres a former independence fighter nicknamed ''Lu'Olo'' and president of the ruling Fretilin party won the most votes in the first round, but none of the eight candidates won a clear majority, forcing a run-off.

Ramos-Horta is widely viewed as somewhat more friendly to the West and economic globalisation, while Fretilin takes a more leftist and nationalist line. Both sides say they want to encourage foreign invesment.

Although the benefits have yet to flow in a significant way to many of its impoverished people, East Timor is rich in energy resources like offshore natural gas, and produces a much sought-after variety of coffee.

Javier Pomes Ruis, the European Union's chief election observer, said polling had started without any immediate hitches.

''The opening has been much better than the last time.'' He said that it was too early to predict participation in the polls despite signs of a slower start to voting than a month ago.

Guterres, who is parliament chief, told reporters he was ''very confident'' as he cast his vote.

''I will accept the results and there will be no violence,'' he added, wearing a black shirt with stripes.

Ramos Horta, a Nobel peace prize winner who spearheaded an overseas campaign for East Timor's independence, appears to have the edge after five of the first-round losers urged their supporters to vote for him.

In the east of the country in the town of Baucau, Ramos-Horta cast his ballot amid cheers from his supporters.

Asked if he would win he said: ''I don't know. If I win, I will assume my responsibility as president. If I lose I win my liberation.'' Outgoing President Xanana Gusmao, who will now run for the post of prime minister, called yesterday for a focus on the national interest in the country of about 1 million people.

A regional split erupted into bloodshed last May after the sacking of 600 mutinous troops from the western region. Foreign troops had to be brought in to restore order but 30,000 people remain in camps across Dili, too afraid to go home.

The UN mission in East Timor has said 1,700 UNpolice would be deployed across the country for the elections, backed by international troops.

More than 270 foreign observers and about 2,000 local observers will monitor the elections.

The UN chief electoral officer, Steven Wagenseil, said preliminary results were expected on Friday evening.

Reuters>