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A man often described as a "bishop of the poor", former Roman Catholic prelate Fernando Lugo, has won Paraguay's Presidential election.
EuroNews reports, that his victory ends more than 60 years of one-party rule in the country.
His centre-left coalition has brought together unions, farmers and the disadvantaged to confront the issues of poverty and corruption that are rife in the country.
Speaking to supporters at campaign headquarters, President-elect Fernando Lugo said the result showed this was a Paraguay he had dreamt about - a country for everyone:
"You have decided that Paraguay is going to be an independent and free country. Thanks, thanks to you all."
His main rival, Colorado Party candidate Blanca Ovelar, conceded defeat:
"We recognise our defeat in the presidential elections, we congratulate the candidate of Alianza."
The Colorado Party had been in power since 1947. Many Paraguayans saw it as presiding over a corrupt regime that failed to protect the poor.
But it is not known how much change Fernando Lugo will be able to bring about.
Observors say no one party is expected to win a majority in Congress and he'll have to cut deals with his rivals if he wants to pass his proposals.
// 21.04.2008 16:46
News URL: http://news.mediaport.info/eng/world/2008/4049.shtml
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