Ramos-Horta leads E Timor results

Early results from East Timor's presidential run-off vote have put the current prime minister, Jose Ramos-Horta, in the lead, election officials say.

With counting ongoing, the election commission said Ramos-Horta had so far won about 70 per cent of votes counted, compared to his rival, former guerrilla fighter Francisco "Lu-Olo" Guterres.

"The general conclusion is that Ramos-Horta is in first place," spokeswoman Maria Angelina Sarmento told reporters.

The commission said they expect to be able to announce an official result as early as Thursday afternoon, a day earlier than expected.

The commission's observations were backed up by an exit poll in East Timor's leading newspaper, the Suara Timor Lorosae, which put Ramos-Horta well ahead of his opponent.

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