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East Timor set for critical poll East Timor voters head to polls
(about 7 hours later)
The people of East Timor are due to vote in a parliamentary election dominated by promises to improve the economy and strengthen security. Polls have opened in East Timor in a parliamentary election dominated by promises to improve the economy and strengthen security.
The ruling Fretilin party is being challenged by a new party created by independence hero Xanana Gusmao, who recently stepped down as president.The ruling Fretilin party is being challenged by a new party created by independence hero Xanana Gusmao, who recently stepped down as president.
Mr Gusmao's party is expected to do well, but no party is likely to win enough seats to avoid coalition rule.Mr Gusmao's party is expected to do well, but no party is likely to win enough seats to avoid coalition rule.
East Timor broke away from Indonesia in 1999, gaining independence in 2002.East Timor broke away from Indonesia in 1999, gaining independence in 2002.
The tiny nation has struggled to shake off poverty and instability.The tiny nation has struggled to shake off poverty and instability.
An international peacekeeping force was deployed in East Timor last year after a feud between rival units in the fledgling army and police forces turned violent.An international peacekeeping force was deployed in East Timor last year after a feud between rival units in the fledgling army and police forces turned violent.
The violence spilled into street battles that left more than 30 people dead and forced tens of thousands of people from their homes.The violence spilled into street battles that left more than 30 people dead and forced tens of thousands of people from their homes.
Pre-election clashesPre-election clashes
The killing of two of Mr Gusmao's supporters early on in the campaign had sparked initial fears of more violence. But the later stages of campaigning were largely peaceful, barring clashes between rival supporters in which a few people were hurt.
Recent weeks have seen colourful election rallies in the capital, Dili.
About 522,000 people are registered to vote in the election to chose representatives for the 65 seats in parliament.About 522,000 people are registered to vote in the election to chose representatives for the 65 seats in parliament.
Recent weeks have seen colourful election rallies in the capital, Dili, and some voters queued before dawn to cast their ballots.
"I woke up very early to take part in deciding my country's destiny," cab driver Justino da Costa told the French news agency AFP.
There are 14 parties running in the election, but the key battle is between Fretilin - which has run the country since independence - and Mr Gusmao's party, the National Congress for the Reconstruction of East Timor.There are 14 parties running in the election, but the key battle is between Fretilin - which has run the country since independence - and Mr Gusmao's party, the National Congress for the Reconstruction of East Timor.
The Fretilin leader and former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri - who was forced to resign after last year's violence has accused Mr Gusmao of authoritarian tendencies. The Fretilin leader and former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri - who was forced to resign after last year's violence - has accused Mr Gusmao of authoritarian tendencies.
"Xanana is always looking for power," Mr Alkatiri told the Associated Press news agency on Thursday. "He has no capacity. He has no plan at all. He is trying to use his charisma.""Xanana is always looking for power," Mr Alkatiri told the Associated Press news agency on Thursday. "He has no capacity. He has no plan at all. He is trying to use his charisma."
Mr Gusmao has used his campaign to tell supporters Mr Alkatiri has already tried - and failed - to run a successful administration.Mr Gusmao has used his campaign to tell supporters Mr Alkatiri has already tried - and failed - to run a successful administration.
"During five years of Fretilin, Alkatiri was the big boss of a failed government," Mr Gusmao said."During five years of Fretilin, Alkatiri was the big boss of a failed government," Mr Gusmao said.
The killing of two of Mr Gusmao's supporters early on in the campaign had sparked initial fears of more violence. But the later stages of campaigning were largely peaceful, barring clashes between rival supporters in which a few people were hurt.
Saturday's poll comes a month after former Prime Minister Jose Ramos-Horta was elected president, also vowing to end violence in the young nation.Saturday's poll comes a month after former Prime Minister Jose Ramos-Horta was elected president, also vowing to end violence in the young nation.
Mr Gusmao chose not to seek a fresh term as president - a largely ceremonial role - preferring to seek the job of prime minister.Mr Gusmao chose not to seek a fresh term as president - a largely ceremonial role - preferring to seek the job of prime minister.
The former Portuguese colony of East Timor broke away from 25 years of Indonesian rule in a 1999 referendum. It was placed under UN protection until it achieved independence in May 2002.The former Portuguese colony of East Timor broke away from 25 years of Indonesian rule in a 1999 referendum. It was placed under UN protection until it achieved independence in May 2002.