East Timorese savor democracy

East Timorese savor democracy

DILI, East Timor (AFP): East Timorese voters are relishing their first-ever taste of democracy but some parties in next week's elections have tried to intimidate them, local poll watchdogs said on Thursday.

Five groups, including the Joint Election Observers Committee and the National East Timorese Students' Resistance (RENETIL), cited cases of minor violence, forced attendance at campaign rallies and intimidation by several of the 16 parties running in the Aug. 30 poll.

After centuries of authoritarian Portuguese rule and 24 years of often-brutal Indonesian occupation, voters next Thursday will choose 88 candidates to form a constituent assembly.

This will write a constitution for the fledgling nation, now under United Nations stewardship, and will become the first parliament. Independence is expected next year.