Any presidential election anywhere brings with it the hopes and aspirations of millions who, with their vote, help either to keep the incumbent in power or to unseat him and usher in a new leader. Yesterday’s Palestinian election was no exception. If anything, the poll and its results are hugely significant — more than normal — because of the uniquely bitter situation Palestinians in the occupied territories and the diaspora find themselves in.

Of course, there has been no incumbent since the death of Yasser Arafat. There is the front-runner, Mahmoud Abbas, and while the official announcement will be made today, it is almost certain that he, with more than double the support of his nearest rival, is the next president of Palestine. The question really then is not whether Abbas will win, or even by how much, but what he will do once in office.

Much is riding on Abbas’ shoulders to change the more than 50-year-old status quo. How he will be able to deal with groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad instead of crushing them as Israel demands, and yet at the same time talk peace with Tel Aviv, is a question full of interest and possibilities. Abbas has made it clear that his fundamental goal is the same as that of Arafat: An end to Israeli occupation and a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. On the campaign trail, however, Abbas has wavered on another sensitive item, repeatedly calling for the return of all refugees to their original homes within Israel. Previously though, he has admitted that the Palestinians should be willing to compromise on the issue of refugees, acknowledging that Israel would never accept the return of all Palestinians who were displaced in 1948.

In general, Abbas has said what Israel wants to hear. He insists the armed uprising against Israel should end and has also said there is no option but to work with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and “do our best to convince him of Palestinian rights.” How much Abbas will do on issues that have proven to be deal breakers with Israel in the past remains to be seen. Who will begin moving first toward a peace, Abbas or Sharon? What is for sure is that Abbas has a big job in front of him.

The elections will in all likelihood be forgotten just as soon as the new leader takes his presidential seat. At the same time, it should be remembered that the poll and the campaign leading to it went extremely smoothly. It was in keeping with the calm that prevailed in the wake of Arafat’s death as predictions of civil strife and possible civil war never came close to reality.

More than a million Palestinians will have voted in the landmark presidential election. Should they vote for Abbas, they will not be electing a new face. Abbas may take his place but without the aura, charisma or the stature his predecessor enjoyed.

It is ironic that Abbas, dwarfed as he is when compared to Arafat, might eventually deliver to the Palestinians what the legend himself never did.