Hamas scores successes in Palestinian election

An unofficial tally gave Hamas control of seven councils against 11 for the dominant Fatah movement, taking results from 24 of the 26 councils contested on Thursday. Official radio said Fatah took 60 percent of seats to 23 percent for Hamas.

The results were certain to send a message of Islamist strength to Mahmoud Abbas, the moderate from Fatah who is expected to succeed Yasser Arafat in a January 9 presidential election and then try to restart talks with Israel.

Hamas has waged a suicide bombing campaign in a 4-year-old uprising and has spurned efforts by Abbas to establish a truce. It is boycotting the presidential election.

The municipal election had been seen as a test of strength between Fatah and Hamas as well as a dry run for the organizers of next month's election. Turnout was estimated at up to 90 percent.