The Australian government is expecting trouble in the lead-up to presidential elections in East Timor, with troops on standby to deal with violent flare-ups.
The East Timorese people will head to the polls on Monday to elect a new president, the first election since the tiny nation gained independence in 2002.
The country's fledgling independence has had its ups and downs, including episodes of violence and last year's political crisis which eventually saw presidential candidate Jose Ramos Horta replace Mari Alkatiri as prime minister.
Political rallies in recent days have turned violent ahead of the campaign, with police in Dili yesterday firing warning shots and tear gas to disperse fighting between supporters of rival political parties.
Prime Minister John Howard said Australia's 900 troops in the region were available if needed to deal with the expected violence.
"We expected some increase in activity and some increase in disorder in the lead-up to the election," he said.
"We have a very large force there and I am sure the local commander makes the decision according to the local circumstances.
"We invest him with a lot of authority and he's got a very strong force and he will take whatever (action) is needed."
The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Peter Leahy, said more troops could be dispatched if needed.
"We are constantly monitoring the situation," he said.
"Should more troops be required, we have the capabilities. We have reinforcements back here in Australia to provide additional support."
But he said the situation in Dili remained relatively calm at present.
Australia is sending a delegation to East Timor to monitor the presidential election, the nation's first post-independence vote.
Government backbencher David Tollner will lead the official Australian parliamentary group, which is due to arrive in Timor on Saturday.
Mr Tollner said it was important that voting was conducted in a democratic manner.
"I would like to call on all sides to support free and fair elections on 9 April, and to participate in a peaceful manner to allow citizens to vote without fear or intimidation," he said.
"These elections are another important step in the development of East Timor's democracy and electoral institutions."