Another Lefty Wins in Latin America

Former Roman Catholic Bishop Fernando Lugo’s campaign against poverty has won him the presidency of Paraguay, a country that has been ruled by the same conservative party for 61 years—arguably longer than the run of any party in any other country.

BBC:

Mr Lugo brought together leftist unions, indigenous people and poor farmers into a coalition to form the centre-left Patriotic Alliance for Change.

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.

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AP photo / Monica Matiauda

Former Roman Catholic Bishop Fernando Lugo, center right, and his running mate, Federico Franco, center left, rise their arms as they greet supporters in Paraguay’s capital, Asuncion, after winning a historic electoral victory.