Voters in East Timor are electing a new president in a poll many hope will help resolve political tensions and instability in the troubled nation.

Prime Minister Jose Ramos-Horta is one of eight seeking to replace incumbent Xanana Gusmao, who is stepping down.

It is East Timor's first presidential election since independence in 2002.

Tension has been high in the country since clashes last summer between rival military factions triggered street violence that left some 30 people dead.