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French Socialists to re-elect leader

PARIS, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- French Socialist party members are expected to re-elect Francois Hollande in a no-surprises vote late Thursday.

Hollande's victory was essentially cinched during a three-day party conference that ended Sunday.

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The meeting aimed to close ranks among deeply divided party factions ahead of the 2007 presidential elections.

Hollande has already wrapped up three terms, or eight years, as party leader. If re-elected as expected, this would be his last term.

He is among several potential contenders to run as the Socialist candidate in the presidential vote, 17 months from now.

But analysts note he lacks charisma, and recent polls suggest French prefer his longtime partner and former Cabinet minister, Segolene Royal.

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