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The eight candidates vying for East Timor's top job. Campaigning began on March 23, with the first election round on April 9. A second round is set for May 9. [AFP]

Francisco Xavier do Amaral, a founder of Fretilin, ran against Gusmao in the first election

Fernando "Lasama" de Araujo of the Democratic Party (PD), founder of the student resistance movement and former cell-mate of Gusmao

Joao Carrascalao, founder of the conservative Democratic Timorese Party (UDT)

Parliamentary speaker since 2001 Francisco Guterres, a veteran of Fretilin

Lucia Lobato, a parliamentarian of the Social Democrat Party and sole female candidate

Nobel laureate and prime minister Jose Ramos-Horta

Avelino Coelho da Silva of the leftist Timorese Socialist Party (PST), a fiery public speaker

Manuel Tilman, a monarchist and deputy of the KOTA party, advocates the restoration of traditional chiefs

Presidential run-off confirmed for East Timor - Radio Australia News 19/04/2007

East Timor's Electoral Commission has confirmed there will be a second round of elections to choose a new president to replace Xanana Gusmao.

After days of counting the commission says the final results of last week's election gave the highest number of votes to the ruling Fretilin party candidate Francisco "Lu Olo" Guterres, who took 28 per cent of the poll.

Prime Minister Jose Ramos-Horta came second on 22 per cent.

None of the eight candidates who stood in the April 9 elections won the necessary 50 percent majority to avoid a second round.

The run-off election has been scheduled for May 9, and official campaigning will begin on Monday April 23.

The commission also said that despite widespread complaints by voters and candidates of irregularities and voter intimidation, it has not been able to substantiate any of the allegations.

The United Nations says it is confident the first round poll was free and fair.

June 30 has also been named as the date for parliamentary elections to elect a new government.

Fretilin's Guterres highlights stability and denies nation's east-west divide - Audio feature from Connect Asia program 28/03/2007

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In his campaign literature Francisco Guterres highlights his humble background. The fifth day of electioneering also saw former prime minister Mari Alkitiri complain of heavy handed action by Australian troops.

Presenter - Karon Snowdon in Dili
Speaker - Francisco Guterres, the Fretilin party's candidate in East Timor's presidential election

Frontrunners highlight security in election campaign - Audio feature from Connect Asia program 26/03/2007

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Two frontrunners for the East Timor presidency, Jose Ramos-Horta and Francisco Guterres, are campaigning on security issues and an end to poverty in the election.

Presenter - Karon Snowdon in Dili
Speaker - Jose Ramos Horta , East Timorese prime minister and presidential candidate

Eight candidates in the run for president - Audio feature from Connect Asia program 13/03/2007

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April 9's East Timor presidential election will be contested by eight candidates, including the prime minister.

Presenter - Sen Lam
Speaker - Dr Helen Hill, senior lecturer in sociology, Victoria University, author 'Stirrings of Nationalism in East Timor'

Jose Ramos Horta says he will run for presidency - Audio feature from Connect Asia program 26/02/2007

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East Timor's prime minister, Jose Ramos-Horta, has announced that he will run in the April 9 presidential election. Speaking to the Qatar-based Al-Jazeera broadcasting network, Mr Ramos-Horta said he was approached by the East Timorese people to run.

Presenter/Interviewer - Sen Lam
Speakers - Jim Dunn, former UN advisor and a close associate of Jose Ramos-Horta


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