In pictures: Palestinians vote

1 of 8 Palestinians have been going to the polls to choose a successor to Yasser Arafat, who died in a Paris hospital in November.

2 of 8 Former Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas, candidate of the main Fatah party, is the clear favourite out of seven hopefuls.

3 of 8 Mr Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen, was upbeat about Palestinian hopes for democracy as he voted in Ramallah in the West Bank with his wife (pictured behind him).

4 of 8 Many Palestinians see the vote as a forgone conclusion - but analysts say Mr Abbas will need a clear mandate if he is to make progress towards peace talks with Israel.

5 of 8 This is the first time Palestinians have voted for a leader since 1996. Arafat's death has raised hopes for progress on peace.

6 of 8 Mr Abbas has said he is hopeful of persuading militants, like these voters in Jenin from the al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, to agree to a ceasefire.

7 of 8 Hundreds of foreign observers were monitoring the poll, including high-profile figures like former US presidential candidate John Kerry - talking here to independent candidate Mustafa Barghouti.

8 of 8 Polling was extended by two hours because voters were being held up at Israeli army checkpoints.