Uncertainty clouds Palestinian election

CAMPAIGNING began yesterday for a Palestinian legislative election clouded by speculation that President Mahmoud Abbas, mired in conflict with Israel and facing a challenge from rival Islamists, could delay voting.

Mr Abbas's ruling Fatah faction kicked off its campaign at Yasser Arafat's grave, as rival Hamas vowed to root out corruption and an independent candidate squared off in Arab East Jerusalem with Israeli police under orders to ban electioneering in the city at the heart of the Middle East conflict.

The January 25 vote is widely seen as a referendum on Mr Abbas's rule following Israel's Gaza pullout last year, which raised hopes of ending fighting and of founding a Palestinian state.