East Timor candidates vote

PLEASE NOTE: EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta arrives at a polling station to vote in an election that he hopes will see him hold on to his post.

He's one of 12 candidates vying for the presidency of one of the world's youngest and poorest nations.

But he was critical of voting rules he says forced many people living and working in the capital to return to their home towns and villages to take part.

SOUNDBITE: JOSE RAMOS-HORTA, EAST TIMOR PRESIDENT, SAYING (English):

"Thousands of people, poor people, students, street vendors in Dili, were forced to go to their original places where they (were) raised to vote. What kind of electoral law, instead of making it accessible to people to vote, makes it difficult?"

Another strong contender in the race is former National Parliament President Francisco Guterres Lu-Olo.

Former military commander Taur Matan Ruak is also viewed by some as a possible because he's backed by the prime minister.

SOUNDBITE: PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE AND FORMER MILITARY COMMANDER TAUR MATAN RUAK SAYING (English):

"Yes, always always win in first round and no second round."

Despite his air of confidence some analysts predict no-one will win more than half the vote and a run-off will be necessary.

Paul Chapman, Reuters