Timor Leste (East Timor) goes to the polls

Voting began Saturday in East Timor's presidential election, seen as a crucial test for a young democracy taking charge of its own security as UN forces prepare to leave.

The race is expected to be a three-way contest between Ramos-Horta, the Fretilin party's Francisco "Lu Olo" Guterres and former armed forces chief Taur Matan Ruak.

Turnout was thin in the early morning but was expected to pick up, with many regarding the elections as a chance to make their voices heard.

Candidates must garner more than 50 per cent of the vote for an outright win, otherwise a run-off will be held in two weeks.

Formal results from Saturday's polling are not expected until early next week.

In May, East Timor will celebrate 10 years of independence, which came after three years of UN administration.

Then, in June, voters will choose a new government in a general election.

Last year the UN officially handed security responsibilities back to East Timor police, although around 1,200 UN forces remain in the country.

The country's own security forces will officially safeguard the elections but UN forces are ready to step in if needed.

At the end of the year the nation of 1.1 million people bids goodbye to UN forces stationed in the country since 1999.


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