21.   Nastase won when three centrist parties backed his candidacy on condition his government proceed with economic and democratic reforms needed to join the European Union and NATO.

22.   Preceding the president to Yekaterinburg was a group of a dozen or so actors, academics, a cosmonaut and other prominent people who back his candidacy.

23.   She said Peres made his decision after meeting with Yossi Sarid, leader of the dovish Meretz Party, whose support Peres needs to back his candidacy.

24.   Stroyev last year joined the leadership of the Our Home Is Russia party led by Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin, and Yeltsin reportedly backed his candidacy strongly.

25.   Stroyev last year joined the leadership of the Our Home Is Russia party led by Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin, and President Boris Yeltsin reportedly backed his candidacy strongly.

26.   The union is backing her candidacy.

27.   The two leaders also said they would back the candidacy of Lubbers as secretary general of NATO, if he was to put forward his name formally.

28.   Murayama thanked the LDP members for backing his candidacy and promised to live up to their expectations.

29.   Only hours before the second round got under way, Fernandez distanced himself from the ruling Reformist party that backed his candidacy.

30.   Only hours before the second round got under way, Fernandez distanced himself from the ruling party that backed his candidacy, and once again played the race card.