US President George W. Bush yesterday established a special unit to govern the transition to a new administration in January.

Under a presidential order, the Presidential Transition Coordinating Council, PTCC, will meet on Oct. 15 to plan a smooth transition from Bush to Republican presidential candidate John McCain or his Democratic rival Barack Obama.

"The smooth and collegial transfer of power from one administration to another is a hallmark," said White House press secretary Dana Perino.

"It's especially important as our nation is fighting a war, dealing with a financial crisis and working to protect ourselves from future terrorist attacks," she added.

The campaigns of McCain and Obama have already begun their own preparations for a possible transition.

Perino said senior Bush administration officials have been working with both sides since the summer.

Among other actions, the administration has been providing security clearances for key campaign aides.

The PTCC will be chaired by White House Chief of Staff Joshua B. Bolten and will include other senior officials, among them the attorney general, the national intelligence director and the national archivist.

Former president Bill Clinton established a similar transition team in 2000.

Whoever wins the presidential election will be sworn into office on Jan. 20, 2009.