E. Timor to elect president on April 14

E. Timor to elect president on April 14

EAST TIMOR: In a final step toward nationhood, East Timor will hold its first presidential elections on April 14, the territory's UN administrator in Dili announced on Thursday.

Speaking a day after he signed a new electoral law, Sergio Vieira de Mello said all existing 16 political parties are expected to field candidates. New parties will be allowed to register and nominate candidates.

Results of the presidential ballot will be announced on April 17.

De Mello said that there will be only one round of voting in the presidential election.

Independent candidates will be allowed to stand if they manage to collect 5,000 signatures endorsing their candidacy.

Independence leader Jose "Xanana" Gusmao is widely expected to win and become East Timor's first head of state when it gains full independence on May 20. --AP