East Timor independence leader Xanana Gusmao has formally declared his candidacy for president in the U.N.-administered territory's upcoming elections.

Mr. Gusmao's application papers were filed Saturday, just before a deadline. The former rebel commander is supported by at least 10 small political parties. He has rejected the support of East Timor's largest party, Fretilin, over policy differences.

Mr. Gusmao's only opponent will be Fransisco Xavier do Amaral, who served briefly as East Timor's first president in 1975, after withdrawal of the former Portuguese colony's administration. He was appointed to the post and served for only nine days before Indonesia invaded East Timor.

Indonesia annexed East Timor the next year, a move never recognized by the United Nations.

The United Nations has administered East Timor since late in 1999. A referendum earlier that year produced an overwhelming vote for independence from Indonesia, and a violent backlash by pro-Jakarta militias. Foreign peacekeeping troops then were sent into the territory to restore order.

Mr. Gusmao has wide popular support and is expected to win the election. The East Timor election is scheduled for April 14. The new president will take office on May 20, when interim rule by the United Nations ends.

East Timor's assembly has approved the draft of a new constitution that will set up a strong parliamentary system led by a prime minister. The president will have less power than the legislature.

Some information for this report provided by AP, Reuters and AFP.

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