UCA News
Contribute

Presidential candidates promise safe poll

Second round runoff contestants vow to keep supporters in check
Presidential candidates promise safe poll
Taur Matan Ruak (right) and his wife during the first round campaign
Published: March 30, 2012 06:58 AM GMT
Updated: March 30, 2012 09:24 AM GMT

The two candidates left in the presidential race have promised to maintain stability and security during campaigning ahead of the runoff scheduled for April 16. Campaigning begins today and ends on April 13. Francisco Guterres Lu-Olo and Taur Matan Ruak made the pledge at a meeting with outgoing President Jose Ramos-Horta and several top national security officials yesterday in the president’s office in Dili. “Taur and I were invited by the president to review technical problems and security issues that surfaced in the first round so that the second round will run smoother,” Lu-Olo said. He admitted that some of his and Taur’s supporters could become violent. “We will work together in order to prevent clashes. People want peace and national unity,” he said. Taur agreed, saying a peaceful election and a show of unity are vital to demonstrate the country’s credibility. “Lu-Olo and I are determined every person will have the opportunity to vote in an honest, free and safe election. By doing so, we will show our democratic credibility to the international community,” he said. “What we want is to keep Timor Leste peaceful and united,” he asserted. Military chief Major-General Lere Anan Timor welcomed the pledges and said  security personnel “are ready to work together to control the situation.” The campaign for the first round of voting on March 17, in which 12 candidates took part, passed off peacefully.   Related Reports: President concedes defeat in pollsThousands return home for election    

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia