Polls show tight Palestinian election race

Two opinion polls published today predicted a tight race for Palestinian president between interim leader Mahmoud Abbas and his jailed challenger, Marwan Barghouti, while a third survey gave Abbas the advantage.

Abbas, a pragmatist who has spoken out against violence, enjoys the tacit support of the international community. A Barghouti victory in the January 9 vote could throw fledgling Mideast peace efforts into turmoil.