Americas News
Exit polls: Indio candidate Morales leads presidential vote
Dec 19, 2005, 18:39 GMT
La Paz - Exit polls in Bolivia suggested an edge for Indio candidate Evo Morales in Sunday's presidential election.
The survey of voters leaving polling stations gave Morales, the socialist leader of indigenous coca farmers, 44 per cent of the vote.
His closest rival, centre-right former president Jorge Quiroga, was at 34 per cent in the same exit polling.
If no candidate achieves an outright majority, the new parliament will choose between the top two finishers. Official results were not yet available late Sunday.
More than 3.6 million Bolivians were eligible to vote in an election that also saw parliamentary seats and provincial governments on the ballot.
Morales campaigned on a left-wing platform to legalize coca, nationalize Bolivia's oil industry and redistribute wealth. He has also embraced Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, joining the left-wing populist in opposing what they consider a U.S.-led free trade agenda.
If elected, Morales would be the first Bolivian president from the country's 70 per cent majority Indios.
© 2005 dpa - Deutsche Presse-AgenturCOMMENT
blog comments powered by DisqusLatest Headlines in Americas
- 1. Mexico drug lord Arellano gets 25 years in US prison
- 2. Drug violence not just Mexican problem, North American leaders say
- 3. Mexico drug lord Arellano sentenced to 25 years in US prison
- 4. Pope Cuba Visit Pictures
- 5. Pope thanks Mexico for "unforgettable experiences"
Older Talkback
