The political situation in East Timor

A woman casts her vote on Sunday. Lorenio L. Pereira / AP  

Hope that the election will resolve East Timor's deadlock  

The counting of votes is underway after Sunday's parliamentary elections in East Timor. The favorite in the election is the opposition party the National Congress for the Reconstruction of East Timor (CNRT).  

The CNRT hopes to wrest power from the incumbent Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (Fretilin). During the past term, the parties have clashed in fierce political battles, which has led to a political deadlock, a deadlock which many hope will be resolved after Sunday's election. 

East Timor gained independence from Indonesia in 1999 and still suffers from major problems. Poverty is widespread in the country and the country's major source of income, oil, is running out.  

Queue at the polling station in the capital Dili Lorenio L.Pereira / AP  

The economy a decisive issue in the election in East Timor 

East Timor's many economic problems and widespread poverty are the main issues when the small country in the Indian Ocean goes to the polls, writes AFP.  

- Just look at our capital, Dili. It is difficult to get electricity and clean water. The party I choose must fix our roads and electricity grids and ensure that there is clean water available, says Nazario Gregorio Guterre, who is voting in Sunday's election.  

The country has around 890,000 citizens entitled to vote. One of them is Cesar dos Santos de Carvalho, who sees it as very important to vote in this year's elections. 

- One person's voice can change everything, he says.  

East Timor is usually called Asia's youngest democracy and has been independent since 1999. In the election, it is the main parties Fretilin and CNRT that are fighting for power.