East Timor. 2007
The presidential vote on 09 April 2007 was the first East Timor election since its independence in 2002 after 24 years under Indonesian rule. East Timor, which was part of Indonesia, got its independence on 20 May 2002 after the United Nations-sponsored referendum in August 1999. Some 522.933 registered voters are cast a ballot for one of eight candidates vying to replace independence fighter Xanana Gusmao as president for the next five years.
Counting in East Timor's presidential election showed voters were deserting the ruling Fretilin Party in frustration after civil unrest in Dili cost dozens of lives on 2006 and put 100,000 people in refugee camps. Street violence in April-June 2006 led to the removal of the then prime minister, Mari Alkatiri, as well as the arrival of UN and Australian peacekeepers.
Supporters of East Timorese presidential candidate Ramos Horta participates in a rally in Dili, East Timor.
East Timorese presidential candidate Ramos Horta shakehand to his supporters during a campaign in Dili, East Timor
Supporters of East Timorese presidential candidate Ramos Horta participates in a rally in Dili, East Timor.
East Timorese women prays before walking with the cross for Good Friday at Cave Maria in Dili, East Timor, three day before the vote
East Timorese worshipers gather at a hill during walking with the cross for Good Friday in Dili, East Timor, three day before the vote.
East Timorese attends Sunday Easter mass at a church in Dili, East Timor, a day before the vote.
East Timorese woman carry her baby as she cast a ballot at a polling station in Dili, East Timor
A polling station in Dili, East Timor.
A polling station in Dili, East Timor.
A polling station in Dili, East Timor.
An East Timorese woman carry her children as she walks past a damaged building in Dili, East Timor.
A polling station in Dili, East Timor
An East Timorese family gather at a tent in a refugees camp in Dili, East Timor
A refugees camp in Dili, East Timor
East Timorese electoral worker inspect the ballots as they are counted at a polling station in Dili, East Timor
East Timorese electoral worker inspect the ballots as they are counted at a polling station in Dili, East Timor
East Timorese electoral worker inspect the ballots as they are counted at a polling station in Dili, East Timor
East Timor Election, 2007
UN peacekeeping soldiers stand guard at an airport during the distribution of ballot papers and boxes in Dili, East Timor
UN peacekeeping soldier stand guard at a street during the presidential elections in Dili, East Timor.
East Timorese worshipers in Dili, East Timor
East Timorese young girl hold candles during a prayer for peace in Dili, East Timor