1.   Berlusconi has made similar threats before, apparently calculating that new elections would strengthen his grip on power.

2.   Political analysts said that elections will probably strengthen the right-wing Bharatiya Janata party, which is already the largest party in parliament.

3.   The British move was certain to annoy Sinn Fein, which had been pressing for elections to strengthen its political influence in the province.

4.   The election also strengthened Gerry Adams, the leader of Sinn Fein.

5.   The election strengthened the opposition Social Democrats and Greens in the lower house of Parliament.

6.   He hopes the election will strengthen his mandate to propose political talks with China.

7.   His supporters hope that year-end legislative elections will strengthen his parliamentary base and that the opposition, whose poll ratings are slipping, will start cooperating.

8.   Israel hopes elections will strengthen Arafat against the Islamic fundamentalists challenging his rule.

9.   Jubilant Chechens said Tuesday the election would strengthen their fight for independence.

10.   Now, the opposition fears early elections would only strengthen Meciar.