Dili – In a final step toward nationhood, East Timor will hold its first presidential election on April 14, the territory's UN administrator announced Thursday.

Speaking a day after the adoption in East Timor's legislature of a new electoral law, Sergio Vieira de Mello said all 16 political parties are expected to field candidates. Results of the presidential ballot will be announced on April 17.

De Mello said that there will be only one round of voting in the presidential election and that independent candidates will be allowed to stand if they manage to collect 5,000 signatures endorsing their candidacy.

Independence leader Jose "Xanana" Gusmao is widely expected to win and become East Timor's first head of state when it gains full independence on May 20. Until then, the UN is administering the territory.

The UN had hoped the constitution could be written before January 25, when the UN Security Council meets to review progress.

However, lawmakers said on Tuesday they could be delayed in drafting the document after several US Congress members advised the nation to take more time in properly drafting the supreme law.