The successful holding of the first democratic elections in East Timor without any reports of violence was welcomed today by the Government.
"These first elections to a Constituent Assembly mark a historic step in East Timor's transition to full independence", the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, said.
The election is for an 88-member assembly that will draw up a constitution within 90 days, paving the way for choosing a president, most likely in another election by April.
Informal results are expected by as early as tomorrow, and the official tally is expected on September 10th
Mr Cowen described the high turnout in the elections as an impressive demonstration of the determination of the people of East Timor "to assume full control over their own political destiny".
"I hope that this level of active democratic involvement will remain a feature of East Timor's political life."
"I encourage the various political parties to continue to demonstrate the responsibility they have shown in the lead up to these elections."
Ireland Aid provided over £300,000 towards the United Nations Support Programme for the elections.
The staff of Ireland Aid’s office in the capital of Dili also acted as observers during polling.
A contingent of Irish troops is currently serving as part of the UNTAET mission in East Timor.