TAIPEI - President Chen Shui-bian was wounded, but not critically, in an assassination attempt on the eve of the presidential election and controversial referendum Saturday on targeted Chinese missiles that has divided this island, provoked Beijing and prompted warnings from Washington. Taiwan was in shock; Chen might benefit from a sympathy vote.

Chen was released from the hospital, all campaigning was suspended, the polling will go ahead as planned on Saturday, and Chen - who leans toward independence and stresses a separate Taiwanese identity - might receive a sympathy vote. The election has been too close to call and a two-week blackout on polling results has made it impossible to predict the winner.

Political violence is virtually unknown on this island of 23 million people, including 16 million eligible voters, and shock and grief were widespread. The assassination attempt was considered likely to boost Chen's chances of reelection. Core supporters were expected to be more motivated to vote while floating voters were expected to see a vote for Chen as a vote against political violence.