Timor-Leste to hold runoff after President loses re-election
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Dili, 19 March 2012 - Timor-Leste is getting ready for a second presidential ballot as a free country after Nobel peace laureate Jose Ramos-Horta lost his re-election bid.
Voters will go to the polls in April to choose between two men who fought for the country's freedom from Indonesia's occupation, Francisco Guterres and Taur Matan Ruak.
In the first round of Presidential elections held on Saturday, Timor-Leste allowed prisoners to vote, something this inmate took advantage of.
"I gave my vote to serve as an example to the people of Timor-Leste to follow my participation in the election".
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UN Human rights officer Carolyn Tanner says it was a bold move by the country.
"When Timor decided to give the right to all prisoners to vote as well it was a really progressive move because it is a controversial topic in some countries."
The UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste helped the government with Presidential elections and will continue to do so through the runoff.