21.   As polling day approached Abidjan was gripped by rumours that the event would be marred by widespread bloodshed.

22.   Another provision of the reform would require judges wishing to run for elected office to resign from their judicial duties a year ahead of the polling day.

23.   But as the elections approached international officials were engaged in a battle of their own, falling out over security arrangements for polling day.

24.   But surveys indicated that Netanyahu would win in the event of any new anti-Israeli attacks in the three weeks to polling day.

25.   But surveys indicated that Netanyahu would win in the event of any anti-Israeli attacks in the three weeks to polling day.

26.   Campaigning for the elections is not permitted to start until late April and will end five days before the polling day.

27.   Cotti refused to set a polling day but said he would make a final decision on whether the elections could go ahead later this month.

28.   Cotti refused to set a polling day but confirmed he would make a final decision on whether the elections could go ahead later this month.

29.   The prime minister called on the security forces to provide strong protection for all candidates, political activists, voters, and international and national observers on polling day.

30.   They argued polling day was credible but the process was marred by violence and intimidation in the pre-election period.