East
Timor headed to the polls to elect a new parliament Saturday as Asia's youngest
democracy battles economic challenges 15 years after gaining its independence
from Indonesia.
About
760,000 people are expected to cast their votes for candidates from 21 parties
in the tiny half-island nation, in the first parliamentary election since the
departure of United Nations peacekeepers in 2012.
The
polls come at a challenging time for the country, with key oil reserves running
dry while the government struggles to resolve a long-running row with Australia
over lucrative energy fields.
But
despite fears of violence, there were no reports of unrest in the run-up to the
election.
"I
am happy I can vote today because it's important we choose the best to lead our
country," said voter Mateus Araujo.
The
parliamentary election will determine the choice of prime minister for the
former Portuguese colony.
The
prime minister, chosen by the winning party or a coalition of parties in
parliament, oversees the government and is the most influential political
figure in the country.
East
Timor voted for a new president in March with Francisco Guterres -- known by
his nom de guerre "Lu-Olo" -- winning the presidency, a role which is
largely ceremonial but can help keep the peace between feuding politicians.
He
is leader of the second-biggest party Fretilin and also won the backing of
independence hero Xanana Gusmao and his CNRT party, the country's largest.
Both
parties are expected to fare well in the parliamentary election.
East
Timor faces huge problems with half of its population living in poverty and the
current government struggling to improve the livelihoods of its 1.2 million
people.
As
well as diversifying the resource-rich economy away from a reliance on oil, the
country's leaders must agree a new sea border with Australia after tearing up a
contentious maritime treaty that cuts through energy fields.
Polls
will close at 4:00 pm (0700 GMT) and preliminary results will be known by
evening, though official results will only be announced early August.
Indonesia
moved into East Timor in 1975 after colonial master Portugal withdrew. During
the brutal occupation, around 183,000 people died from fighting, starvation or
disease.
Source:
AFP | in Daily Mail Online UK
Photo:
Fretilin party supporters participate in an election campaign rally in Dili,
East Timor on July 19, 2017 | AFP
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