21.   The polls are taking place against a background of economic woes.

22.   The presidential poll takes place in October or November.

23.   Many Portuguese analysts and media expect Sampaio to call eaerly elections, though the constitution stipulates that a new poll could not take place before the end of February.

24.   Many Portuguese analysts and media expect Sampaio to call new elections, though the constitution stipulates that a new poll could not take place before the end of February.

25.   Rebel commander Rizvan Tsugayev, however, said the polls did not take place.

26.   That poll took place peacefully but was followed by an upsurge in violence once special security measures were lifted.

27.   The constitution, however, stipulates that a new poll could not take place before the end of February.

28.   The commission will decide on the election constituencies before the polls take place.

29.   The Chechen election organisers are keen to show themselves resisting to Russian pressure, insisting that the poll is taking place in an independent country.

30.   The current spell of direct federal rule ends in January and New Delhi reportedly wants the polls to take place before then.