Abbas steps out of Arafat's shadow

Abbas, who drew heavily on the historical leader's legacy during his campaign, dedicated his victory "to the memory of our martyred leader Yasser Arafat, as well as all the other martyrs, those who have been wounded as well the 11,000 prisoners behind bars."

"I will work to put an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people for they are a people who deserve our esteem, our respect and our loyalty," Abbas said after exit polls predicted a crushing victory.

His austere style contrasts with his charismatic predecessor, whose trademark keffieh and fiery speeches had made him one of the most recognisable international figures and a global symbol of resistance.

While Arafat was dismissed as an absolute obstacle to peace by Israel, Abbas is likely to receive an invitation to talks with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in a matter of days after his victory is confirmed.

"The prime minister intends to meet the elected Palestinian president as soon as possible," a senior adviser to Sharon told AFP before voting had even ended.

Abbas for his part has also underlined his intention to jump-start the peace process which has been effectively stuck in a quagmire for the last four years.

"Mr Prime Minister Sharon was elected by his people. We have no right to ask for that to be changed ... We have no other choice but to sit with him and we will do our best to convince him of Palestinian rights," he said.

The two men met on several occasions in 2003, including at the launch of the Middle East roadmap, a peace plan which targets the creation of a Palestinian state this year but has made essentially no progress since its launch at a conference in Jordan attended by US President George W. Bush.