East Timor, Asia’s youngest nation, votes for president

DILI, March 19 (Reuters) – Polls have closed in East Timor after Asia’s youngest nation held its fifth presidential election since independence on Saturday, with political stability and financial safety on the forefront of voters’ minds.

The 16 presidential hopefuls embrace former resistance fighter and incumbent President Francisco “Lu Olo” Guterres in addition to independence determine and Nobel laureate Jose Ramos-Horta and a former Catholic priest.

Whereas the nation’s independence figures nonetheless dominate the sphere, for the primary time there are additionally 4 feminine candidates, together with Deputy Prime Minister Armanda Berta Dos Santos.

“We should select a brand new era in order that we will construct this nation,” mentioned Jorge Mendonca Soares, 42, after queuing patiently to vote at a polling sales space within the capital of Dili on Saturday morning.

A latest ballot by the nationwide college confirmed that Ramos-Horta, 72, former defence forces commander Lere Anan Timur, and the incumbent Guterres had been the favourites.

On the time polls closed at 3 p.m. (0600 GMT), some would-be voters within the capital had been unable to forged ballots because of residency necessities.

“Many can not vote as a result of they aren’t registered within the knowledge as residents from outdoors the town of Dili,” João Ximenes, head of a voting station in Comoro, instructed Reuters. He added that two folks had been arrested after a protest erupted on the polling station consequently.

Officers mentioned it was not instantly clear how many individuals had been affected by the rule.

Early indications of the frontrunners within the election are anticipated to emerge late on Saturday. If no candidate wins an outright majority, the vote will proceed to a run-off on April 19 between the highest two contenders.

Approaching twenty years since independence after the tip of a brutal occupation by Indonesia, East Timor has for lengthy spells struggled with political instability.

After elections in 2018, Guterres refused to swear in some ministers from the Nationwide Congress of the Reconstruction of East Timor (CNRT), a political social gathering led by former Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.

The following political stalemate continues to at the present time.

Ramos-Horta, who’s backed by Xanana’s CNRT social gathering, mentioned earlier this week he was working as a result of he felt the present president had “exceeded his powers”. learn extra

Guterres instructed reporters after voting on Saturday: “Whoever runs have to be able to win and be able to lose … However I need to say I’ll win.”

In East Timor’s political system, the president appoints a authorities and has the ability to veto ministers or dissolve parliament.

Financial diversification was a significant concern within the election, as worries mount over the nation’s heavy dependence on dwindling provides of oil and fuel.

The position of younger voters was additionally key, with an estimated 20% of voters reaching the voting age of 17 previously 5 years and casting their ballots for the primary time.

First-time voter Marco de Jesus, 17, mentioned he felt nervous however relaxed after assist from polling employees.

“I really feel proud to have carried out my operate as a voter,” he mentioned from outdoors a polling station on Dili’s waterfront.

“I hope my selection can convey constructive and helpful change.”

Reporting by Kate Lamb in Sydney; Further reporting by Francisco Ismenio in Dili; Enhancing by Ed Davies, Raju Gopalakrishnan and Edmund Klamann

Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Belief Ideas.