Fourteen Egyptian diplomats on Sundayheaded for the Palestinians territories as observers in thepresidential elections slated for Jan. 9, the official MENA newsagency reported.

Three former ambassadors are expected to join the team on Jan.2. All the Egyptian observers are divided into two groups toobserve the elections in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, duringwhich seven candidates are running for the Palestinian presidency.

It was the second time Egypt has sent observers to thePalestinian lands for elections. The first was in 1996. Several other countries or blocs would also send observers tothe territories, including the European Union, Canada and theUnited States.