Earlier this month, the Bush administration switched courses to endorse indirect elections that would turn over power by June.

Others who have endorsed clean elections include:

But if the P.L.O. should decide to endorse elections in the territories as the way to start talks, its sympathizers would certainly win.

But court documents suggest that the Bureau of Indian Affairs might formally endorse elections in which black Cherokees are barred from voting.

Zimbabwe's leaders appeared to endorse free elections this month at a meeting of the Southern African Development Community, a multinational forum of government leaders.

Mr. Adeniji, a Nigerian, added that the United Nations would not endorse elections held while one or more of the warring sides remained armed.

Somaliland held a popular national referendum in 2000, which endorsed the Constitution, nation-wide local councils election in 2002, presidential elections in 2003 and parliamentary elections in 2005.

He endorsed direct presidential elections, restoration of civil rights of Kim Dae Jung and other dissidents, the lifting of press restrictions and other measures.

By endorsing direct elections, Mr. Roh in effect said he was prepared to run for president later this year instead of having the office handed to him by Mr. Chun.

Through their support, they were confusing the European Parliament with the political groups and endorsing elections run by a de facto Government that were held under conditions that did not guarantee their legitimacy.