The prospect of a widespread boycott by Sunnis and others raises the possibility that the results of the election will be viewed as illegitimate.

It is not clear how widespread the boycott might be, though it could cut into any mandate that Mr. Abbas might want to claim.

Many opposition groups have already called for a widespread boycott.

There was a widespread cultural and commercial boycott of all things German (and often, Austrian as well) and a determination "never to set foot on German soil."

The black community has begun a widespread boycott of the city-owned buses to end segregation; Odessa takes on a long walk both ways to work.

In some ways they were not a fair test, marred by violence, a short campaign season and widespread boycotts by Sunni Arabs.

The ruling, primarily intended as a safety measure, could lead to a widespread boycott by disabled entrants.

The farmers' main tool of influence has been their ability to galvanize widespread boycotts of the sugar industry, thereby crippling the economy.

Despite a widespread boycott of the election, he defeated three other candidates to retain his seat and become the only Independent candidate returned.