Palestinian Liberation Organisation chairman Mahmud Abbas has won the presidential election in Palestine.
Abbas takes over the formidable mantle of late leader Yasser Arafat, who died in a French hospital on November 11, 2004.
As per the results of the election announced on Monday, Abbas, a former prime minister, has won over 62 per cent of the votes that were polled.
His rival Mustafa Barghuti won only 19.8 per cent of the votes.
Considered a moderate, Abbas is likely to be sworn in on Wednesday.
The European Commission has welcomed the results of the election.
EC President Jose Manuel Barroso said the election was an important step towards the creation of a democratic Palestinian state.
