Mark Dodd, Dili – The East Timor independence leader Mr Xanana Gusmao has decided not to retire from politics to grow prize pumpkins for the Dili show. He ended months of speculation by announcing at the weekend that he would stand as president of the world's newest country.

"I declare here and now that I will accept to be nominated by the parties to the office of president of the Republic of Timor Lorosae [East Timor] if the parties commit themselves to accepting the outcome of the elections." Mr Gusmao gave the undertaking at the end of a nationally televised debate between 15 of the 16 political parties and independent candidates contesting Constituent Assembly elections on Thursday.

For the first time, Mr Gusmao raised the issue of an amnesty for anti-independence militia leaders holding tens of thousands of refugees in camps in West Timor.

A capacity crowd packed into the Dili gymnasium cheered when Mr Gusmao, 55, announced his candidacy for the presidency. He appealed for all parties to ensure this week's historic election passed peacefully.

For more than a year Mr Gusmao had denied any intention to stand for president. He was forced into the decision, he said. "I always nurtured the dream that after independence I would have time to cultivate pumpkins and breed animals."