DILI, Timor-Leste, April 9 (UPI) -- Polling began quietly in troubled Timor-Leste, in the election to replace independence leader Xanana Gusmao as president.
Tight security was in place with Australian troops and U.N. police officers from New Zealand, Portugal and Nepal standing by -- amid concerns over possible violence.
There has been tension in the tiny nation after Gusmao stepped down, saying he would join a new political party and seek to become prime minister, a post held by his close associate in the Fretilin party, Jose Ramos Horta.
Political opponents alleged Gusmao was trying to facilitate a "job swap," as prime minister is a more powerful position than the largely ceremonial post of president.
If no candidate wins more than 50 percent of the vote Monday, a runoff election will be held May 9.
Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer acknowledged in a radio interview there could be trouble if activists in Timor-Leste refuse to accept the outcome.
He told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. "there is a risk that some people in different political parties will be unhappy with the result to the extent they might go out on the streets."
Downer said Australian troops would remain in Timor-Leste until June or July, when parliamentary elections are due to be held.
