The radical Islamist movement, Hamas, has disputed the results of exit polls which forecast that it had narrowly failed to beat the ruling Fatah faction in today's Palestinian election.
A Hamas spokesman said their figures showed that they had a significant lead over Fatah.
Another forecast said Fatah won 42% of votes against 35% for Hamas, but failed to give a breakdown of seats.
Hamas is contesting its first parliamentary campaign having boycotted the only previous general election a decade ago.
Voting was said to be brisk in the first Palestinian elections since 1996. Polling ended at most stations at 5pm Irish time, though voting in east Jerusalem was extended for a further two hours.
The central elections commission said that turnout had reached 73% half an hour before the polls began to close.
Voters were choosing from more than 400 candidates running for the 132-member parliament.
Proceedings at the 1,000 polling stations in the West Bank, Gaza and Arab east Jerusalem were monitored by some 900 foreign observers.
Hamas has sought to cash in on disillusionment with Fatah over the stalled peace process, corruption and by claiming its fighters forced Israel to pull out of the Gaza Strip.
The group has also stated its intention to retain its weapons and its commitment to the destruction of Israel following the elections.
Israel and the US have said they will not work with a government that includes Hamas members.
In a clear reference to Hamas, acting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert called on Palestinians to shun 'extremism' in the elections.
He said the ballot offered a 'historic opportunity' towards 'realising their goal of national independence'.
Casting his ballot in Ramallah, President Mahmoud Abbas said voting was proceeding smoothly and that he hoped it would be completed in 'complete calm'.
