Mr Xanana Gusmao was today officially declared the winner of East Timor's historic first presidential election, with almost 83 per cent of the vote.
Chief Electoral Officer Mr Carlos Valenzuela, who announced the final result from Sunday's poll, congratulated both the former guerrilla leader and his sole challenger Mr Francisco Xavier do Amaral, who got just over 17 per cent.
He also praised the people of the tiny impoverished territory, who staged an 86 per cent turnout for their third vote in under three years.
"I would like to congratulate the people of East Timor for their interest in and commitment to elections as the most appropriate means to determine their future," Mr Valenzuela said.
"They are the true heroes in this process." The UN chief in East Timor, Mr Sergio Vieira de Mello, also paid tribute to both candidates, who were not present at the announcement.
"As the first president of an independent East Timor I trust that Xanana Gusmao will devote his infinite energy and will to fulfilling the noble pledges he made during the campaign," de Mello said in a statement.
The election was the last step on East Timor's long and bloody road to independence, which will be proclaimed by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan at midnight on May 19/20th.