That is relevant because there are growing indications that the general may seek to enter politics as a presidential candidate against Mahinda Rajapaksa after quitting his military post.

BBC: Trouble at the top in Sri Lanka?

Writing in the Mail on Sunday, the MP - touted by some as a future leadership candidate - said the coalition "is about to enter the last chance saloon" and must consider a radical programme of tax cuts, including phasing out employers' national insurance contributions.

BBC: UK Politics

Another crucial question is whether any of the main Palestinian militant groups will enter the political process and field a presidential candidate in particular Hamas, whose popularity has risen as the PA's has slumped.

ECONOMIST: Can Palestinians go from bullets to ballots? | The