Thousands of supporters of former East Timor prime minister Mari Alkatiri headed for the capital today as the country's president hinted he may decide on a replacement until next elections are held.
Some 3,000 supporters of the ruling Fretilin party travelling in a convoy of trucks, buses, cars and motorbikes, are making their way from Hera, about 16 kilometres from Dili, under escort by international peacekeepers.
New Zealand and Australian troops checked everyone for weapons.
The protesters, mostly youths and young men, were in good spirits, chanting "Viva Alkatiri" and "Viva Fretilin".
Mr Alkatiri resigned on Monday after weeks of protests by thousands of demonstrators who left the capital on Wednesday, clearing the way for his party supporters to enter the city.
Residents and foreign peacekeepers had feared the pro- and anti-Alkatiri protesters would meet and turn the capital into a battleground