BEIJING, Jan. 8 -- The Palestinian National Authority was set up in May 1994. It serves as an Autonomous Palestinian government, founded to implement the Oslo Agreements for a transitional period. The PNA enjoys control over both security and civilian-related issues in Gaza and Jericho, as well as civilian control over the West Bank. The upcoming vote is the first since 1996.

    The election drama began on November 20. On December 19, seven people were officially announced as presidential candidates. And they kicked off their campaigns on December 25.

    Mahmoud Abbas, who succeeded Arafat as chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization, was named by the mainstream Fatah faction as its presidential candidate. He says he will follow in the late president's footsteps.

    On his second day of campaigning, he toured the West Bank city of Qalqilya. Addressing a crowd of supporters in front of Israel's controversial separation barrier, Abbas called on Israel to break down the barrier and to open a way for peace.

    On December 29, Abbas had held his first election rally in Jericho, where he was warmly received by supporters.

    And on the first day of the New Year, he traveled to Gaza to mark the 40th anniversary of the ruling Fatah movement. Abbas lit the movement's torch at a mass rally in Gaza.

    His nearest rival is independent candidate Mustafa Barghouthi. Barghouthi, a human rights activist, kicked off his presidential campaign on December 25.

    He wore the Arafat-style traditional black and white headscarf around his neck, and launched his campaign by laying wreath at the late Palestinian leader's grave.

    Barghouthi has been an active campaigner against Israel's controversial separation barrier which divides Israel from the West Bank. He has also campaigned against Israeli curfews and closures. His campaigning has led to numerous scuffles with Israeli soldiers at checkpoints and has led to his detention on a number of occasions.

    According to most opinion polls, Mahmoud Abbas is the favorite, and with Mustafa Barghouti polling about 20 percent support, while the five other candidates combined manage just five percent.

    (Source: cctv.com)