Palestinians choose successor to Arafat

Palestinians held their first presidential election in nine years today, choosing a successor to Yasser Arafat in a vote many across the world hoped would usher in a moderate leadership and revitalise the Middle East peace process.

Mahmoud Abbas, candidate of Arafat’s ruling Fatah movement, was expected to win easily. However, he was struggling to capture a clear mandate to resume peace talks with Israel and reform the corruption-riddled Palestinian Authority.