51.   Crime has become a top issue among candidates in the spring presidential election.

52.   Estrella Sadhala declared that Balaguer has shown no signs that he aspires to control the board, charged with preparing national elections next spring.

53.   Former Education Minister Lionel Jospin on Saturday became the Socialist candidate in spring presidential elections, winning an overwhelming victory in a primary race that upset the party machine.

54.   Former Education Minister Lionel Jospin looked set to be the Socialist candidate in spring presidential elections despite pressure from within the party to nominate its leader.

55.   He also rejected calls to change plans to hold elections next spring, a year ahead of schedule.

56.   He has announced plans for legislative elections this spring, the first since the aborted elections five years ago.

57.   He said this is especially true at the moment because of preparations for parliamentary elections in late October and presidential elections next spring.

58.   His chief spokesman said Balladur would announce by the end of the month whether he will run in the spring elections.

59.   His spokesman, Nicolas Sarkozy, said Balladur would announce by the end of the month whether he will run in the spring elections.

60.   It set Chirac against fellow conservative Premier Edouard Balladur, the undeclared favorite in spring elections.