Former guerrilla leader Xanana Gusmao has won East Timor's first presidential election, according to preliminary figures released by election officials. With 90% of the vote counted, Mr Gusmao is ahead by 267,615 votes to 57,536 for his sole challenger, Francisco Xavier do Amaral. Although counting is continuing, the figures mean Mr Gusmao cannot now be beaten. The election paves the way for East Timor to become the world's newest country on 20 May. Chief Electoral Officer Carlos Valenzuela said the result could not be declared official until it had been confirmed by the Independent Electoral Commission.

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