Voters in East Timor elect their first president tomorrow in the last milestone before the territory is declared formally independent next month after centuries of foreign rule.
Former guerrilla leader Mr Xanana Gusmao, whose popularity extends across East Timor, is expected to crush his less charismatic, ageing rival Mr Francisco Xavier do Amaral in the two-man race for the largely symbolic presidential post.
The United Nations, which has run the territory since a bloody independence vote to break from Indonesian rule in August 1999, said it expected a huge turnout.
"I am sure that all the Timorese who have acquired the right to vote...will turn out," the UN chief in the territory, Mr Sergio Vieira de Mello, told reporters on the eve of the election.
Around 430,000 East Timorese are eligible to vote.
Both candidates, who have demonstrated mutual goodwill and embraced at the final presidential debate, are expected to cast their votes together in the capital, Dili, at around 8.30 a.m. (11.30 p.m. Irish time, Saturday).
Mr Vieira de Mello denied claims the ruling Fretilin party had waged a dirty tricks campaign against Mr Gusmao, saying the election process had been free and fair.
"I have heard of no intimidation by Fretilin or anyone else," he said.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) also moved to allay fears of a lack of transparency, saying the vote would be conducted in accordance with strict international standards.
Several political party representatives have recently raised concerns about transparency and the potential for fraud during the upcoming election. "The IEC is very concerned about this lack of trust in the electoral process," it said in a statement on Friday.
With the result almost a foregone conclusion, the focus has been mainly on the challenges facing Mr Gusmao as his country braces for full independence.
One of the key concerns raised by observers is whether he will be able to work with Fretilin.
MR Gusmao said there was no tension between them, just differences of opinion, but has also vowed to use his veto powers if the government did not act in the interests of the people.