Yasser Arafat's successors promised a swift election to replace him as Palestinians flocked to his tomb today to pay last respects to the ex-guerrilla who symbolised their hopes of a state.
Prime Minister Mr Ahmed Qurie told reporters that a presidential election would be held by January 9th, within the 60 days set out by law. Little-known parliament speaker Mr Rawhi Fattouh is currently acting president.
"Now our biggest concern is to hold elections," said Nabil Abu Rdainah, who was one of Arafat's main aides.
"The international community, especially the US, should exert pressure on Israel to withdraw its forces and not to enter Palestinian cities, to stop its aggression so that we can proceed with the preparations."
There have been no elections of any kind since 1996. Arafat always said they were impossible because of Israeli attacks and closures.
Arafat, 75, was buried in Ramallah yesterday at the compound where he was penned in by Israel during his dying years, accused of fomenting violence in an uprising that began after peace talks collapsed in 2000. He denied the charge.
His body arrived home yesterday from the Paris hospital where he died, via a funeral in Cairo among kings and presidents of the Arab world, to chaotic scenes of grief and gunfire.
Today, the tree-shaded tomb had become a pilgrimage site of quiet mourning.
Some laid olive branches, some the red, white, green and black Palestinian flag and some the black-and-white keffiyeh headdress that Arafat made his trademark when he emerged on the world stage in the era of Third World liberation struggles.
"Our father has passed away," said Hala Khalil at the grave.