Most of those familiar with the situation say that a prolonged absence is likely to feed the already intense behind-the-scenes maneuvering for power.

Administration officials acknowledge there has been intense political maneuvering after the younger Mr. Chiang's death on Jan. 13.

A period of intense political maneuvering appeared to be in store.

The preliminary results set the stage for intense maneuvering as the two parties court alliances with smaller groups to secure the 68 votes needed to form a government.

From that point on, the Shoreham story became one of failed negotiations, heavy litigation and intense political maneuvering.

But the ruling mullahs are engaged in intense political maneuvering to blunt the impact of any reformist parliamentary victory.

Beyond the White House, intense maneuvering continued in search of a political resolution to the conflict.

The overwhelming passage of the measure masked intense behind-the-scenes maneuverings in recent weeks over the powers that the federal government has been given to fight terrorism.

Two months after that, they are to make a joint assessment of compliance, and the intervening period appears likely to see intense political maneuvering.

But they were not expected to win an outright parliamentary majority, setting the stage for intense political maneuvering as both parties seek to create a coalition.