Leftist wins Uruguay election

2004-11-01 10:15

Montevideo - Socialist Tabare Vazquez scored a historic victory late on Sunday in Uruguay's presidential voting as exit polls showed his coalition, which includes former guerrilla fighters, with more than 50 percent of votes cast.

Supporters of Vazquez's leftist coalition, which includes former Tupamaro rebels, were already celebrating in the streets as Vazquez declared victory.

"Celebrate Uruguayans, celebrate, for the victory is ours, thanks, many thanks," Vazquez told thousands of cheering supporters.

Crowds had already gathered along Montevideo's main avenue waving red, white and blue flags - the coalition colors.

Street vendors were doing brisk business, and youths drove by in packed cars honking horns and chanting pro-Vazquez slogans.

"It's a paradox that in this day of happiness I am crying," said Manuel Mata, 62, part of Vazquez's security detail.

A coalition victory will break the stranglehold the Colorado and National parties have held in the presidency since Uruguay's independence from Spain in 1825.

Vazquez, 64, pressed his ballot against his heart before dropping it into the poll box in a working-class Montevideo neighborhood precinct.

Swamped by supporters and reporters, Vazquez confidently dedicated "his triumph" to a recently deceased leftist politician.

"We are going to extend a brotherly and tolerant hand," said Vazquez after voting, "because the Uruguay of the future has to be built between all of us."

Exit polls by both the Factum and Interconsult firms showed Vazquez had won enough votes to claim victory and avoid a runoff. Election officials said official results would be known early on Monday.

Vazquez's nearest rival is attorney Jorge Larranaga, 48, of the National Party, who polls showed had around 30 percent support. Larranaga urged "respect and tolerance" as he cast his ballot, and later conceded defeat.

Vazquez, a medical doctor and former Montevideo mayor, lost presidential bids in 1994 and 1999.

- AFP