NEW DELHI, Oct 29: Indian astrologers say that the planets favour John Kerry to win the White House race. "For months opinion polls have shown the race between Bush and Kerry , his challenger, to be neck and neck," said author and astrologer Lachhman Das Madan, who also heads the Astrology Study and Research Institute in Delhi.

"But the cosmic writ reveals Bush cannot become the president of the US again. On the other hand, Kerry's horoscope shows that Saturn is in the third house from the moon which is highly favourable," he said.

"The planets Mercury and Mars in the fifth and third house have exchanged positions. Success in competition is certain...Kerry will be the new president." Madan made news after he predicted former Indian premier Rajiv Gandhi would meet a "violent end" three months prior to his May 1991 assassination by a woman suicide bomber said by India to be a member of Sri Lanka's Tamil separatists.

American pollsters were split on who was ahead but agreed the outcome was too close to call. Several pollsters have said the election appeared headed for a photo finish similar to the result in 2000.

But Indian astrologer and writer Abha Bansal, managing editor for the "Future Samachar" (Future News), said nothing could change Mr Kerry's destiny to rule. "Kerry's horoscope shows that he was born to rule - he has a number of "rajyogs" (ruling signs) which are on the ascendant right now," said the 45-year-old.

She said Mr Kerry was in a particularly strong position because the Moon, which denotes luck in Indian astrology, was in alignment with his professional aspirations.

"His horoscope shows the Moon and Sun (profession) are in line with each other...He will be a stable ruler. Up to Jan 2006, Mercury is configured in a favourable position which will bring him money and power.

"Astrologically Kerry is in a very strong place. Jupiter and Saturn are not configured in a favourable position for Bush and he may not get the desired result in these elections," said Bansal. "I would be surprised if he won." -AFP