UN warns militias could disrupt East Timor election

DILI - The United Nations warns that troublemakers could try to sabotage the first democratic election in East Timor's turbulent history, but is confident the poll would be free of major violence.

In the final hours before campaigning ends ahead of Thursday's vote, the capital Dili was a sea of color as banner-waving voters, some with faces painted in party colors, flooded the streets in trucks, on motorbikes and on foot.

Despite fears of bloodshed and attacks by pro-Jakarta militias sheltering across the border in Indonesian West Timor, the campaign for a constituent assembly to pave the way for independence has been remarkably peaceful.

The most serious incident so far was the stoning of a car.

But impoverished East Timor's hugely popular president-in-waiting, Xanana Gusmao, and its chief UN administrator, Sergio Vieira de Mello, appealed to the people to ensure violence did not erupt.

"I am not (concerned). But we need to remain vigilant," Vieira de Mello told reporters.

"The fact the electoral campaign unfolded the way it did in a peaceful manner doesn't mean that agents provocateurs may not try in the next couple of days, or indeed when the results of the election are announced, to destabilize the process.

"They will fail."

Gusmao said the election for the 88-member assembly would set an important precedent for future votes, including a presidential ballot due next year.

"I appeal for non-violence," he said. "Everybody must refrain... from any kind of excess. It is very important for the future that the first time we exercise our rights in a free election we create a reference for the future."

On the dusty streets of the seaside capital, East Timorese are sick of bloodshed after more than 25 years of war and rebellion that climaxed in the destruction of the territory and the death of hundreds after a 1999 UN-run vote to end Indonesia's military rule.

"We chose independence, life or death. Now it's time," said Dili resident Gregoriou Simoes, who described himself as "just an ordinary person."

"There will be no violence. There are no enemies any more. We are united now," he added.

Wearing a Fretilin cap, he was speaking enthusiastically outside Dili's main sports stadium as the largest party and the spearhead of the fight for independence held a final rally.

Fretilin is expected to win an overwhelming majority of the vote on Thursday.

In a restrained but festive rally, the party's striking black, red and yellow flags filled the stadium, in the shadow of the steep, bare hills that ring Dili.

Supporters shouted "Viva Fretilin!" and punched their hands in the air as a band sang "we want to be free and have human rights" to a reggae tune.

Informal results are expected by about September 5, with a formal tally on September 10. The assembly will draw up a constitution within 90 days, paving the way for presidential elections and independence next year.

Gusmao, a charismatic poet turned guerrilla leader who helped found Fretilin, is virtually certain to become the first leader of the world's newest country.

Asked his vision of the future, the man who says he reluctantly gave in to public pressure to stand, told Reuters he would draw on many people for inspiration.

"I must say that it will not be an individual vision, but it will be a single vision," the softly-spoken Gusmao said.

"All the planning will focus on one objective: that in 10, 15 years, at least in 20, our people must feel the benefits of independence, must feel that the conditions of life have improved."

Thursday also marks the second anniversary of the independence vote that unleashed a fury of killing and destruction by pro-Jakarta militias backed by Indonesian troops.

The rampage ended only when a UN-mandated international force arrived to restore peace before handing the half-island territory over to the UN to prepare for independence.

Two years on, there is a new sense of optimism in the territory, boosted by a flood of foreign aid and UN spending that has transformed Dili into a bustling center.

"This one is one that gives you hope, hope in mankind because the Timorese have been displaying fortitude, courage, forgiveness - which is a rare commodity in today's world," said Vieira de Mello, a 32-year UN veteran.

"It gives me more hope. I needed it, I think the UN needs it, the world needs it."

- REUTERS

Feature: Indonesia

CIA World Factbook: Indonesia (with map)

Dept. of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia

Antara news agency

Indonesian Observer

The Jakarta Post

UN Transitional Administration in E Timor

East Timor Action Network