Bahasa Indonesia Headlines ­ Tuesday 4 September 2001
 

Mario Carrascalao: Xanana Gusmao’s candidacy not challenged

Suara Timor Lorosae

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The President of the Social Democrat Party (PSD) Mario Viegas Carrascalao said independence leader Xanana Gusmao was the most suitable person to be the first president of Timor Lorosae.  Though he said Xanana’s candidacy would not be challenged, he however said the race for the presidency could be a two-way contest.

The second who will make a bid for the presidency, said Mario, was ASDT President Francisco Xavier do Amaral.

“But Xanana is a charismatic figure ­ the same as South African leader Nelson Mandela. So when there are contenders to the presidency, they have to accept defeat because no one would vote for them,” said Mario.

“Xanana is the figure who is able to unite all parties in a democracy. He is always able to cooperate and work with anyone. But Xanana also has his principles and does not like his name being used by political parties for their own purposes,” he said.

See also: BD: Recent news re Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão