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 10 Version 11
Opposition victorious in Paraguay Opposition victorious in Paraguay
(10 minutes later)
Former Roman Catholic bishop Fernando Lugo has won Paraguay's presidential election, ending more than six decades of rule by the Colorado Party.Former Roman Catholic bishop Fernando Lugo has won Paraguay's presidential election, ending more than six decades of rule by the Colorado Party.
With results declared in most polling stations, Mr Lugo has 41% of the vote.With results declared in most polling stations, Mr Lugo has 41% of the vote.
His main rival, Blanca Ovelar of the Colorado Party, has 31% and former army chief Lino Oviedo 22%.His main rival, Blanca Ovelar of the Colorado Party, has 31% and former army chief Lino Oviedo 22%.
The BBC's Gary Duffy in the capital, Asuncion, says many wanted a leadership change to help confront the poverty and unemployment rife in the country.The BBC's Gary Duffy in the capital, Asuncion, says many wanted a leadership change to help confront the poverty and unemployment rife in the country.
Mr Lugo brought together leftist unions, indigenous people and poor farmers into a coalition to form the centre-left Patriotic Alliance for Change.Mr Lugo brought together leftist unions, indigenous people and poor farmers into a coalition to form the centre-left Patriotic Alliance for Change.
I invite Paraguayans of all political types, even the ones who don't share our ideals, to help this country that was once great be great again Fernando Lugo Celebrating changeIn pictures: Opposition winI invite Paraguayans of all political types, even the ones who don't share our ideals, to help this country that was once great be great again Fernando Lugo Celebrating changeIn pictures: Opposition win
Observers say that the man often described as the "bishop for the poor", is a virtual political novice, best known for his advocacy of land reform and calls to renegotiate an energy treaty with neighbouring Brazil.Observers say that the man often described as the "bishop for the poor", is a virtual political novice, best known for his advocacy of land reform and calls to renegotiate an energy treaty with neighbouring Brazil.
Speaking to his supporters at his campaign headquarters, Mr Lugo said the result showed that little people could also win and that this was the Paraguay he had dreamt about - a country for everyone.Speaking to his supporters at his campaign headquarters, Mr Lugo said the result showed that little people could also win and that this was the Paraguay he had dreamt about - a country for everyone.
"I invite Paraguayans of all political types, even the ones who don't share our ideals, to help this country that was once great be great again," he told the cheering crowd."I invite Paraguayans of all political types, even the ones who don't share our ideals, to help this country that was once great be great again," he told the cheering crowd.
Our correspondent says that jubilant supporters of Mr Lugo packed the streets of the capital, waving banners and singing songs, as it became clear not only that he had won, but that the victory would be respected.Our correspondent says that jubilant supporters of Mr Lugo packed the streets of the capital, waving banners and singing songs, as it became clear not only that he had won, but that the victory would be respected.
Blanca Ovelar was the Colorado Party's first female candidateBlanca Ovelar was the Colorado Party's first female candidate
Ms Ovelar, whose campaign to become the first woman president had suffered from internal party divisions, acknowledged defeat, and wished the country "a time of reconciliation" and "joint reconstruction".Ms Ovelar, whose campaign to become the first woman president had suffered from internal party divisions, acknowledged defeat, and wished the country "a time of reconciliation" and "joint reconstruction".
Sitting President Nicanor Duarte hailed the democratic process: "For the first time in our history, one party will transfer power to another without a coup, without bloodshed and without fighting among brothers," he told a news conference.Sitting President Nicanor Duarte hailed the democratic process: "For the first time in our history, one party will transfer power to another without a coup, without bloodshed and without fighting among brothers," he told a news conference.
Challenges aheadChallenges ahead
Mr Lugo's victory brings to an end one of the longest periods of continuous rule by any party in the world - the Colorado Party has been in power since 1947.Mr Lugo's victory brings to an end one of the longest periods of continuous rule by any party in the world - the Colorado Party has been in power since 1947.
"This is the first time in my life that I have witnessed a power change in my country and so has my mother in her 60s," Oliver, a resident of Asuncion, told the BBC news website. "Sixty-one years is too many for any party to remain in power.""This is the first time in my life that I have witnessed a power change in my country and so has my mother in her 60s," Oliver, a resident of Asuncion, told the BBC news website. "Sixty-one years is too many for any party to remain in power."
The switch in power is also the latest in a series of election triumphs by leftist, or centre-left, leaders in South America.The switch in power is also the latest in a series of election triumphs by leftist, or centre-left, leaders in South America.
But Mr Lugo has rejected accusations from Mr Duarte that he will follow the style of leftist leaders in Bolivia and Venezuela once in office.But Mr Lugo has rejected accusations from Mr Duarte that he will follow the style of leftist leaders in Bolivia and Venezuela once in office.
Mr Duarte had warned that what he called agitators from Venezuela and Ecuador were trying to meddle in the poll.Mr Duarte had warned that what he called agitators from Venezuela and Ecuador were trying to meddle in the poll.
Our correspondent says the celebrations will last well into the night in Asuncion, but there seems little doubt that the challenges facing the new president when he takes office in August will be enormous.Our correspondent says the celebrations will last well into the night in Asuncion, but there seems little doubt that the challenges facing the new president when he takes office in August will be enormous.
Inequality and corruption are persistent problems and poverty remains widespread, particularly in the rural areas, with many are forced to leave the country in search of work.Inequality and corruption are persistent problems and poverty remains widespread, particularly in the rural areas, with many are forced to leave the country in search of work.

Are you in Paraguay? What do you think of the election result? Send us your comment using the form below.
Name