This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/7357874.stm

The article has changed 28 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Paraguay polls suggest new leader Paraguay polls suggest new leader
(9 minutes later)
Partial official results from the presidential election in Paraguay have given an early lead to opposition candidate Fernando Lugo.Partial official results from the presidential election in Paraguay have given an early lead to opposition candidate Fernando Lugo.
A count of 16% of votes cast has given the former Catholic bishop a lead of about 6% over the governing Colorado Party's candidate, Blanca Ovelar. With about half of the votes counted, the former Catholic bishop has a lead of about 8% over the governing Colorado Party's candidate, Blanca Ovelar.
Five media exit polls have also pointed to victory for Mr Lugo.Five media exit polls have also pointed to victory for Mr Lugo.
If the results are confirmed, it would mean the end of the Colorado Party's 61-year domination.If the results are confirmed, it would mean the end of the Colorado Party's 61-year domination.
The BBC's Gary Duffy in Paraguay said while the usual caution around media exit polls should be exercised, there is consistency between them.The BBC's Gary Duffy in Paraguay said while the usual caution around media exit polls should be exercised, there is consistency between them.
Long queues had been reported at some polling stations, indicating a high turnout.Long queues had been reported at some polling stations, indicating a high turnout.
The Organisation of American States has sent more than 70 observers.The Organisation of American States has sent more than 70 observers.
Before the election, opposition politicians had voiced fears there could be electoral fraud,Before the election, opposition politicians had voiced fears there could be electoral fraud,
The Colorado Party has been in power since 1947, the longest-serving party in continuous rule in the world.The Colorado Party has been in power since 1947, the longest-serving party in continuous rule in the world.
Its candidate, Blanca Ovelar, is facing a serious challenge from the left-wing Mr Lugo, and a retired general, Lino Oviedo.Its candidate, Blanca Ovelar, is facing a serious challenge from the left-wing Mr Lugo, and a retired general, Lino Oviedo.
Leftist claimsLeftist claims
The Colorado Party's main challenger, Mr Lugo, has brought together leftist unions, indigenous people and poor farmers into a coalition to form the centre-left Patriotic Alliance for Change.The Colorado Party's main challenger, Mr Lugo, has brought together leftist unions, indigenous people and poor farmers into a coalition to form the centre-left Patriotic Alliance for Change.
Final rally for Paraguay hopefulsFinal rally for Paraguay hopefuls
He rejects accusations from outgoing President Nicanor Duarte that he would follow the style of leftist leaders in Bolivia and Venezuela if elected.He rejects accusations from outgoing President Nicanor Duarte that he would follow the style of leftist leaders in Bolivia and Venezuela if elected.
Mr Duarte warned that what he called agitators from Venezuela and Ecuador were trying to meddle in the poll.Mr Duarte warned that what he called agitators from Venezuela and Ecuador were trying to meddle in the poll.
"My hope is that there are not going to be any clashes and there are not going to be any episodes that might compromise the peaceful living among people and the future of the nation," he said."My hope is that there are not going to be any clashes and there are not going to be any episodes that might compromise the peaceful living among people and the future of the nation," he said.
The Colorado Party has for the first time chosen a woman candidate, Blanca Ovelar, who promised to bring a woman's sensibility to a "clearly macho country".The Colorado Party has for the first time chosen a woman candidate, Blanca Ovelar, who promised to bring a woman's sensibility to a "clearly macho country".
The BBC's Gary Duffy says the most controversial candidate is the former general Oviedo - who was recently released from jail after a sentence for attempting to stage a military coup was overturned.The BBC's Gary Duffy says the most controversial candidate is the former general Oviedo - who was recently released from jail after a sentence for attempting to stage a military coup was overturned.
Poverty remains widespread in Paraguay, particularly in the rural areas.Poverty remains widespread in Paraguay, particularly in the rural areas.
The economy has been driven by huge hydroelectric schemes and the world's increasing demand for soya.The economy has been driven by huge hydroelectric schemes and the world's increasing demand for soya.