Former Roman Catholic bishop wins Paraguayan election
A former Roman Catholic bishop has won Paraguay's election
Monday, 21, Apr 2008 06:54
A former Roman Catholic bishop has won the Paraguayan presidential election.
Fernando Lugo's, 56, victory brings to an end the six-decade reign of the Colorado Party.
His rival in the elections, Blanca Ovelar, conceded defeat last night, leading to mass celebrations on the country's streets.
"You have decided what has to be done in Paraguay. You have decided to be a free Paraguay. Thank you, thank you, all of you," Mr Lugo said in an address to supporters in Asuncion.
"Today, we have written a new chapter in our nation's political history."
Mr Ovelar, 50, conceded defeat on national television five hours after the polls closed.
"The outcome is irreversible," he said.
The Colorado Party has held power in Paraguay since 1947.
Mr Lugo, known as the "bishop of the poor", blamed the country's economic woes on corruption within the Colorado Party during his campaign.