Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Jose Ramos Horta railed against what he says is misplaced grand standing by high profile politicians - but non-presidential candidates -Mari Alkatiri, Taur Matan Ruak and Xanana Gusmão, whose campaign rhetoric he says is over riding the ability of Timorese citizens to hear what policy the eight candidates stand behind.

“All of us contributed to the liberation of our land, the population knows about this because we have 15 years of independence so there is no need to talk about thisany more,’’ Horta said.

“If you want to win the presidential ‘s election or parliamentary ‘s election it should not be by the manner of criticizing each other but to convince the electoral you have to present the candidate’s program or party’s program,” he said.

The Noble Prize winner said candidates should speak of priorities.

He singled out treatment of prisoners at Gleno and Bekora, where he said 500 prisoners were forced to live in conditions suitable for just 200 people.

He also called for insight into national security, specifically role of Timor-Leste Defense Force (FFDTL) and Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL).

On Monday, Timorese will head to the polls to vote one of eight presidential candidates that include:Amorim Vieira (Independent), Angela Freitas (Labour Party), Antonio da Conceição (Democratic Party), Antonio Maher Lopes (Socialist Party of Timor), Francisco Guterres ‘Lu-Olo’ (FRETILIN), Jose Luis Guterres (Frenti-Mudance), Luis Alves Tilman (Independent), and Jose Antonio de Jesus das Neves Independent).