Bolivian socialist candidate of ousted president's party set to win election outright, exit poll shows
CGTN

Bolivia's presidential candidate Luis Arce looks set to win the election without the need for a runoff, according to a quick count on Monday, putting the Movement to Socialism (MAS) party on the brink of returning to power.

The rapid count from TV station Unitel indicated Arce had 52.4 percent of valid votes, more than 20 percentage points above the second place centrist rival Carlos Mesa, who had 31.5 percent. To avoid a second round, the election winner requires at least 40 percent of valid votes in the first round and a 10-point advantage over the closest competitor.

Arce, a former economy minister regarded as the leftist heir to former leader Evo Morales, sounded confident of victory without explicitly claiming the win at his own news conference shortly after midnight in the Bolivian capital La Paz.

"Very grateful for the support and trust of the Bolivian people," Arce posted on Twitter early Monday after the exit poll results were published. "We have recovered democracy, and we will regain stability and social peace."

Presidential candidate Luis Arce of the MAS party addresses the media next to vice presidential candidate David Choquehuanca, during the presidential election in La Paz, Bolivia, October 18, 2020. /Reuters

Presidential candidate Luis Arce of the MAS party addresses the media next to vice presidential candidate David Choquehuanca, during the presidential election in La Paz, Bolivia, October 18, 2020. /Reuters

The official count, which could take days, was less than 8 percent completed by 2:00 a.m. (0600 GMT). The usual rapid count had been abandoned after allegations of irregularities last year that led to Morales' November 2019 resignation after 14 years in power.

Interim president Jeanine Anez, who was not a candidate, congratulated Arce and his running mate David Choquehuanca on their apparent win.

"We still do not have an official count, but from the data we have, Mr Arce and Mr Choquehuanca have won the election. I congratulate the winners and ask them to govern with Bolivia and democracy in mind," she posted on Twitter.

Read more: Bolivia election: President Anez calls for patience with slow vote count

A Bolivian resident living in Argentina casts her vote at a public school in Bolivia's presidential election in Buenos Aires, Argentina, October 18, 2020. /Reuters

A Bolivian resident living in Argentina casts her vote at a public school in Bolivia's presidential election in Buenos Aires, Argentina, October 18, 2020. /Reuters

Arce had been expected to win the first round. The question was whether the 57-year-old could achieve the required 40 percent of votes with a 10-point lead to avoid a runoff at the end of counting. A runoff vote, if necessary, would be held on November 28.

Bolivians have long been accustomed to quick preliminary results in presidential elections. But after last year's ballot, followed by allegations of fraud and violent protests, newly installed electoral authorities have been appealing for patience, reminding voters that they have up to five days to declare a winner.

A polling station in Cohoni, Bolivia, October 18, 2020. /Reuters

A polling station in Cohoni, Bolivia, October 18, 2020. /Reuters

Read more: Bolivia hopes for a peaceful presidential election on Sunday

Ousted President Evo Morales, who fled to Argentina after resigning last year, was barred from taking part this time. Before the count began, Morales had urged calm and said, "the election result must be respected by everyone." He also promised to return to Bolivia.

Observer missions from the EU, OAS and the Carter Center were present, while UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres called for the result to be respected.

(With input from agencies)

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