Fernando Lugo elected President of Paraguay

Fernando Lugo at his first press conference as President-elect on the evening of Sunday 20 April, accompanied by Vice-President elect, Federico Franco, and Socialist International Secretary General, Luis Ayala

Ending over 60 years of single party domination, Fernando Lugo, heading the Patriotic Alliance for Change, a coalition of democratic and progressive forces which includes SI members, was historically elected President of Paraguay on Sunday 20 April.

Lugo secured a convincing victory, with 41 per cent of the vote, obtaining a 10 point lead over the ruling Colorado party's candidate, Blanca Ovelar, the Paraguayan electoral commission announced.

Fernando Lugo will take office on 15 August.