On the eve of the US presidential election the polls show that neither George Bush or Al Gore is ahead in enough states to have an easy ride - although the Republicans are said to have a "narrow lead".

Bush seems have the Sun Belt and Rocky Mountain West, while Gore leads in California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois and Pennsylvania. But key states for each side have still to be clinched - Bush has been forced on the defensive in brother governor Jeb Bush's Florida and Gore has had to struggle in his own home state of Tennessee.

In the closing hours of the campaign Gore has highlighted the explosive issue of race accusing Bush of insensitivity to blacks on the question of hate crime and the flying of the confederate flag. The turnout of black voters will be key to a Democrat victory in the campaign for president.

With the fate of the two men resting in the hands of a handful of voters, some suggest that Bush may secure the largest number of votes, whilst Gore may secure the states needed to secure him victory.