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Abbas Leads Palestinian Poll Palestinians prepare to vote for new leadership in a Jan. 9 election that no longer looks like a tight race. There are seven candidates for the presidency, but interim leader Mahmoud Abbas' victory now seems assured. Public opinion polls show the next-most popular candidate with only 10 percent of the vote. NPR's Julie McCarthy reports.

Middle East

Abbas a Strong Favorite in Palestinian Election

Heard on Morning Edition

Palestinians prepare to vote for new leadership in a Jan. 9 election that no longer looks like a tight race. There are seven candidates for the presidency, but interim leader Mahmoud Abbas' victory now seems assured. Public opinion polls show the next-most popular candidate with only 10 percent of the vote. NPR's Julie McCarthy reports.