East Timor kept what the United Nations has called a date with democracy today, voting in the first democratic election of its turbulent history.
After centuries of foreign occupation, the death of a quarter of the population and the near-destruction of the territory, the election of a constituent assembly will bring independence closer.
Today is also the second anniversary of a UN-run ballot that rejected Indonesian rule and unleashed killing and destruction by pro-Jakarta militias backed by Indonesian troops.
Lining up in the 30-degree heat with his wife and baby son in his home village of Manatuto was voter number 0168677, East Timorese president-in-waiting, Mr Xanana Gusmao.
"I believe this will be very calm, very peaceful. It shows the maturity of our people. It means we have confidence in the future," said Mr Gusmao who is likely to win a separate presidential election next year.
Despite fears of bloodshed and of raids by militiamen sheltering in Indonesian West Timor, the campaign has been remarkably peaceful.
The 88-member assembly will draw up a constitution, paving the way for choosing a president, most likely in another election by April, and ultimately independence for the former Portuguese colony.
Informal results are expected by about September 5th and a formal tally on September 10th.