Politics
20:56, 22-Jul-2017
East Timor voters cast ballots in parliamentary election
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East Timor’s voters cast their ballots on Saturday in this year’s parliamentary election. More than 700,000 of the 1.2 million residents are registered to vote. Over 20 political parties are vying for 65 seats in parliament.
The election comes as frustration grows over the government’s failure to use wealth generated by oil and gas sales to support development and create jobs.
Official results are expected to be announced by August 6. Former independence fighter Xanana Gusmao and his National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction party are seen as front-runners in the election. According to Reuters, Gusmao said if his party won, it would continue development focusing on agriculture and tourism as well as oil and gas.