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Votes counted in East Timor poll Run-off likely in E Timor poll
(about 1 hour later)
Vote are being counted in East Timor after its first presidential election since independence in 2002. Preliminary results in East Timor's presidential election show Prime Minister Jose Ramos-Horta with a narrow lead over his seven rivals.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon praised the calm and orderly election, and the indications of a high turnout. But analysts say he is unlikely to win the 50% majority needed to prevent a second round run-off.
Prime Minister Jose Ramos-Horta, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, is one of eight candidates seeking to replace Xanana Gusmao, who is stepping down. Most of the results are so far from Dili, as technical problems have slowed counting outside the capital.
Many are hoping the vote will help resolve political tensions and instability in the troubled nation. Despite the glitches, international observers say they are satisfied with the conduct of the election.
This was the first presidential poll for East Timor since it won independence from Indonesia in 2002.
Many are hoping the vote will help resolve political tensions and instability in the young country.
Clashes last summer between rival military factions resulted in street violence that left 30 people dead.Clashes last summer between rival military factions resulted in street violence that left 30 people dead.
Official results are not expected until 16 April, but a spokesman for the electoral commission said preliminary results could begin to emerge on Tuesday. 'High turnout'
Analysts say an outright victory by one candidate is unlikely, which would mean a run-off vote next month. Official results are not expected until 16 April, but election commission spokesman Martinho Gusmao said on Tuesday that preliminary results from Dili district showed Mr Ramos-Horta was ahead with about 30% of the vote.
'Right to vote' Despite some flaws, despite some intimidation, it can be said to be free and fair Jose Ramos-Horta class="" href="/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6539337.stm">Cautious optimism at polls
"The Secretary General is heartened that the election was conducted in a general atmosphere of order and calm, and that the initial indications show high voter turnout," Mr Ban's office said in a statement. He was being trailed by Fernando "Lasama" De Araujo, chairman of the opposition Democrat Party, with 25% of the vote, and the powerful ruling Fretilin Party chairman Francisco "Lu-Olo" Guterres, who had 20%.
"He hopes that calm will prevail while the counting proceeds and when the results are announced." They are among eight candidates seeking to replace Xanana Gusmao, who is stepping down.
Despite some flaws, despite some intimidation, it can be said to be free and fair Jose Ramos-Horta class="" href="/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6539337.stm">Cautiouse optimism at polls Long lines of people waited patiently to cast their vote on Monday. But the picture elsewhere in the country - where the counting has been delayed by technical glitches - is not so clear.
"I'm happy because we have the right to vote for people to choose the right president," said Mr Gusmao as he waited his turn. Analysts say an outright victory by any one candidate is unlikely, which would mean a run-off vote next month.
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. Turnout on Monday was thought to be high, with just over half of East Timor's one million population eligible to vote.
'Free and fair' Election observers reported few problems, but extra ballot papers had to be delivered by UN helicopter to several districts, where they ran out.
Monday's vote was being seen as a trial run for that poll. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon praised the vote.
Just over half of East Timor's population of one million was eligible to vote. His office said he was "heartened that the election was conducted in a general atmosphere of order and calm," and that the initial indications show high voter turnout.
Election observers reported few problems but extra ballot papers had to be delivered by UN helicopter to several districts where they ran out with people still waiting to vote. "He hopes that calm will prevail while the counting proceeds and when the results are announced," the statement added.
"Despite some flaws, despite some intimidation, it can be said to be free and fair," said Mr Ramos-Horta.
Mr Ramos-Horta faces tough competition for the presidencyHe has been seen as the leading contender to replace Mr Gusmao.
But Mr Ramos-Horta faces challenges from the powerful Fretilin Party chairman Francisco "Lu-Olo" Guterres and Fernando "Lasama" De Araujo, the chairman of the opposition Democrat Party.
UN supportUN support
Mr Ramos-Horta, who won the Nobel peace prize for championing East Timor's independence from Indonesia, has been seen as the leading contender to replace Mr Gusmao, an ally.
Xanana Gusmao says he plans to run for prime minister
Mr Gusmao says he intends to run for the more hands-on role of prime minister in general elections set for June that will decide a new parliament and government.
Monday's vote was being seen as a trial run for that poll.
Some 3,000 international police and troops were on the streets to provide security for the polls.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.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 UN expects to be in East Timor for many years, says the BBC's Jonathan Head in the capital Dili.The UN expects to be in East Timor for many years, says the BBC's Jonathan Head in the capital Dili.
But however smoothly this election goes, our correspondent says, restoring effective government will be a long-term task.But however smoothly this election goes, our correspondent says, restoring effective government will be a long-term task.
Last year's crisis re-opened deep splits in East Timorese society, many dating back to the long war against Indonesia's rule.Last year's crisis re-opened deep splits in East Timorese society, many dating back to the long war against Indonesia's rule.