14 Jan 2012

Presidential election date announced

6:28 am on 14 January 2012

President Jose Ramos-Horta of East Timor on Friday announced the date for the next presidential election.

The ABC reports the first round will be held on 17 March. If a second round is necessary, it will be held in the third week of April 2012.

Dr Ramos-Horta last year repeatedly denied he would again run for president, although political rivals and analysts have said he is likely to.