The first-round vote a month ago brought complaints of widespread irregularities, stoking concerns of instability in a nation still struggling to heal divisions five years after it won independence from Indonesia.

Capital Dili appeared calm and at a polling station in an elementary school in the capital voters were quietly queuing to vote.

"I voted for the future of the country. I hope the new president can build Timor Leste better," said Albina Pereira, 22, after casting her vote, referring to the official name of East Timor.

Security appeared relaxed with only a couple of UN police at the polling station where Guterres is due to cast his vote later.

Ramos-Horta and Guterres won the most votes in the first round, but none of the eight candidates won a clear majority, forcing a run-off.

Outgoing President Xanana Gusmao, who will now run for post of prime minister, called on Tuesday for a focus on the national interest.

The UN mission in East Timor has said 1,700 UN police would be deployed across the country for the elections, backed by international troops. More than 270 foreign observers and about 2,000 local observers would monitor the elections.

The UN chief electoral officer, Steven Wagenseil, said preliminary results would be announced on Friday evening.

Reuters