East Timor goes to the polls
People in East Timor, Southeast Asia's youngest parliamentary democracy, are voting to elect a new parliament. Candidates from 21 parties are competing for 65 seats, with official results expected by August 6.
First parliamentary vote since 2012
East Timor heads to the polls on Saturday, July 22, to elect a new parliament. About 760,000 people are expected to cast their votes, with candidates from 21 parties participating in the election - the first parliamentary vote since the departure of United Nations peacekeepers in 2012.
Campaigning at an abandoned airfield
The governing National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT) party campaigns at Baucau airport, 130 kilometers (80 miles) east of the capital Dili. The parliamentary election in East Timor will be dominated by the economy, fighting corruption and promoting education. On Saturday, 750,000 eligible voters in the island nation of 1.2 million have the opportunity to shape parliament.
Dove of peace
During the Indonesian occupation of East Timor between 1975 and 1999, one-third of the population was killed during riots and unrest. In 2002, a democratic parliament was established after a three-year transition period set by the UN. All parties are now committed to peace and reconciliation.
Enthusiastic followers
East Timor is considered a good example for democracy in Southeast Asia. Supporters of the coalition party Fretilin, which has governed the country together with CNRT since 2012, are seen here celebrating. The parliament is elected for five years. The president is also directly elected by the people, but only has symbolic power.
A promising candidate
Xanana Gusamo was the first president of East Timor and is now the CNRT party chairman. A former resistance fighter, Gusamo was sentenced by the Indonesian military in 1992 to life imprisonment. He returned to East Timor in 1999 after a national referendum.
An economic miracle?
East Timor is among the poorest countries in the world, with a per capita income of $2,400 ( 2,060 euros). The oil industry accounts for 90 percent of tax revenue. The new government will need to focus more on agriculture, fisheries and tourism.
Supporters of the opposition seek breakthrough
Founded in 2011, the KHUNTO party fell short of the three percent minimum vote during the 2012 election. Party leader Armanda Berta dos Santos is now looking for a breakthrough in 2017. The latest polls show KHUNTO currently at four percent.
Ex-president wants to become prime minister
Taur Matan Ruak, president of East Timor until May 2017, walked away from a second presidency to participate in the parliamentary elections with the People's Liberation Party (PLP), which was founded in 2015.
High voter turnout expected
Just as during the presidential election in March pictured here, the turnout on Saturday for the parliamentary election is expected to be high. Official results will be announced on August 4.