1.   Speculation emerged this week that several other investment groups, including one led by former Walt Disney Co. executive Michael Ovitz, were interested in PolyGram.

2.   The officials, in telephone interviews from Algeria, said moderate Islamic parties including those led by Nehnah and Boukrouh would be allowed to field candidates in the elections.

3.   Three groups now remain as bidders, including one led by CEI Citicorp Holdings.

4.   At least three rebel factions have signed up, including one led by Riak Machar, who split with Garang several years ago.

5.   Besides the alliance and the Congress, several parties are in the fray including one led by a former Sikh police officer who advocates independence for Punjab.