East Timor: voters at the polls for the second round of the presidential election

Already president of the country between 2007 and 2012, José Ramos Horta (G) was able to count on the support of the hero of independence, Xanana Gusmao (D) who has become a key political figure on the island.

AFP - VALENTINO DARIEL SOUSA

Text by: RFI Follow

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Nearly one million voters are called to the polls (from midnight, Paris time, and until 8 am, Paris time) for the second round of the presidential election.

The election pits Nobel Peace Prize winner José Ramos-Horta, who came out on top in the first round, against outgoing President Francisco Guterres.

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With 46% of the votes collected in the first round, Nobel Peace Prize winner José Ramos Horta appears to be the favorite in the ballot.

Already president of the country between 2007 and 2012, 

, 72, was able to count on the support of the hero of independence, Xanana Gusmao, who has become a key political figure on the island. 

Facing him, outgoing President Francisco Guterres is a candidate for a second term.

Nicknamed "Lu-Olo", Guterres emerged weakened by a mandate marked by political crises and changing alliances. 

In East Timor, the function of president is above all honorary, but the voters expect the next head of state to unblock the institutions, undermined by the confrontation of the two main political forces in the country, unable for example to vote on the budget. .

The president will also be responsible for restoring the economy affected by the Covid epidemic and managing the damage caused last year by cyclone Seroja in the capital Dili, which killed around 40 people. 

The next president will take office on May 20, the 20th anniversary of East Timor's independence.

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