552 personnel secure election

BAUCAU, East Timor: A total 552 military personnel stand ready to safeguard the general election here, said Lt. Col. Herman Tedez of the regional military command.

"The personnel are dispersed throughout Baucau's six districts," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

Deputy chief of police Capt. Sanyoto said 164 police officers and 321 civilian personnel will be deployed to safeguard the ballot boxes. He said 90 of East Timor's police will stand guard at police headquarters throughout the campaign period until the ballot counts.

Every ballot box will be protected by two to four police officers, depending on the district's level of vulnerability, he said. Security officers have been undergoing intensive weekly training, he added.

Baucau regency consists of 50,530 voters who have access to 107 ballot boxes in six districts, 58 villages and two preparatory villages. (01)