Their opposition to the former governments program of radical land reform also united them.

Still, if the opposition could unite behind a single candidate in a two-way race, a Milosevic victory would not be guaranteed.

The usually fractious opposition had united, however, and focused attention on local issues, said Marquez.

This time, he is given a better chance because the opposition has united into what its members call the "Rainbow" coalition.

And the fragmented opposition had united behind the labor leader Vladimir Goncharik.

The political opposition has united against the ordinance, which it says was offered without its being consulted.

It was the first time in the 26th Parliament that the opposition had united against the government.

Already the opposition has united to set up a working group on immigration, with a view to formulating a new bill.

"If the opposition unites, it could form a coalition with Socialist splinter groups."

Polls, however, show that if the opposition united around a single candidate, that person could win.