Labor MK Colette Avital on Sunday vowed to stay in the race for the presidency despite claims by a senior aide to presidential hopeful Vice Premier Shimon Peres that she is jeopardizing Peres' chances.

"It really isn't my problem [if he isn't elected]," she said in response to Eyal Arad's statement. "I received the overwhelming support of the Labor Party. I am in the race to win and not in order to pass the baton to Peres. Everyone has their own considerations. If they say they won't run because of me, it's an excuse."

Over the weekend, Arad told Peres to withdraw his candidacy fearing a defeat in the secret ballot would disgrace his public and international image. He cited Avital's candidacy as one of the main obstacles preventing him from winning the vote.

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Peres has not yet formally announced his candidacy, but such an announcement seems likely. Over the weekend his aides decided to begin canvassing MKs in hopes of obtaining the necessary majority. The Knesset campaign will coincide with a public campaign, which the vice premier's staff believes will add to the pressure on MKs.

The primary task facing Peres and his aides is winning the support of Shas. The party's spiritual leader, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, has not yet issued a ruling on the ballot. Despite his personal affection for Peres, Yosef's decision, according to party officials, will be based on practical rather than sentimental considerations, and that Shas MKs will vote for the candidate who can win.