Xanana Gusmao is widely expected to win East Timor's first presidential election
There has been a strong turnout at the polls in East Timor for the territory's first presidential election. All 933 polling stations across the territory of 738,000 people, including 188 in Dili, were reported to be functioning normally, with queues reported only in district towns.
Election officials said voter turnout was 86.3%, according to preliminary figures. The final result will not be announced until Wednesday.
Former freedom fighter and independence hero, Xanana Gusmao, is the overwhelming favourite to win the election, which is being contested by one other candidate, Francisco Xavier do Amaral.
The poll is the third UN-run election since August 1999 when the East Timorese voted to separate from Indonesia. That vote sparked an orgy of death and destruction by pro-Jakarta militias who were backed by senior elements of the Indonesian military.
Last August the territory voted for a parliament, with veteran pro-independence party Fretilin winning 57% of the vote. Gusmao led Fretilin's military wing in the independence battle but has since distanced himself from the party.
Amaral has hinted that he is standing to ensure there is a democratic contest. It was Amaral who proclaimed and presided over the Democratic Republic of East Timor in 1975 after the Portuguese withdrew. His presidency lasted just nine days before Indonesia, with tacit US support, launched their invasion.
An estimated 100,000-200,000 East Timorese died in the early years of the Indonesian occupation, many from starvation or disease. Hundreds more died during the separation from Jakarta in 1999. East Timor will achieve full statehood on May 20.
