After gaining independence in 2000, hopes were high that this nation would grow more democratic and that it would quickly be integrated into the rest of the region. This did not happen. East Timor instead slid towards anarchy recently with violence occurring day in, day out prior to the election. Internal strife has also driven foreign investors away and now the country is as poor as ever.

Ramos-Horta can make a difference for this destitute country now that he is in charge, even if the position he holds is a ceremonial one. After all, the former foreign minister has the charm and wit necessary in political life. For decades he fought quite effectively as a fighter for independence against the Indonesian government. He built a grand coalition at the international level to back his quest for East Timor's freedom and independence. He was hailed as a hero and his efforts were internationally recognised when he was later awarded a Nobel Prize.

Throughout these years and with these accomplishments, Ramos-Horta has yet, however, shown that he has the ability to govern and lead the country towards a democratic future. Over the past few years, he has chided the media and restricted their freedom, and he has also criticised foreign reports on his country. While he had previously used the media effectively to promote his cause and turn himself into a celebrity, all that has changed and the reality is entirely different. His inconsistent relations with the media have worked against him as he is now identified with leaders who deny democratic growth.

It is hoped that as president he will promote democracy and transparency in East Timor. His friend, former president Xanana Gusmao, is vying for the premiership later this year. Again, this pair working together could offer great benefit to East Timor, but they must deliver what they have pledged all along. East Timor can no longer afford to go on as it is, with public safety not guaranteed, not to mention other aspects of life.

To survive and progress, East Timor must integrate with the Southeast Asian region. Leaders there should look to Cambodia as an example. When Cambodia emerged in 1993 from a UN-sanctioned peace plan, the first free elections were held in that country with UN assistance, with subsequent polls run by the Cambodian government. The country has progressed, despite some internal problems and now has joined the ranks of Asean. As an active member of Asean, Cambodia provides a lesson for East Timor to emulate.

Dili must decide if its future rests with Southeast Asia or the South Pacific region. Ramos-Horta himself used to be ambivalent about East Timor's identity.

In the beginning, he strongly identified East Timor as a South Pacific country because countries in that region were more supportive of East Timor than Asean. He has now shifted his position following the country attaining independence and Indonesia's new attitude towards East Timor. He has said repeatedly that his country could serve as a bridge between Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, however his preferred strategy is to have it both ways. That strategy could carry a high toll.

As president, Ramos-Horta can accelerate East Timor's membership of Asean. It was believed previously that it would be another five or 10 years before the country would be able to join Asean. Some Asean countries are reluctant to take in a poor and unsettled country, however the grouping should at least give East Timor a chance. Asean's 40th anniversary to be held in Singapore in November would be an auspicious time to grant East Timor entry.