Businessman Horacio Cartes wins Paraguay presidential election

PanARMENIAN.Net - Businessman Horacio Cartes has been elected president in Paraguay, according to BBC News.

The result of the April 21 poll restores the Colorado Party to power after its defeat by the left-wing candidate Fernando Lugo in 2008.

Cartes faces the challenge of fighting high levels of poverty and of ending the country's isolation in the region following last year's disputed impeachment of President Lugo. South American blocs MERCOSUR and UNASUR suspended Paraguay on the issue. Crowds in the centre of Paraguay's capital, Asuncion, celebrated Colorado's return to power.

Cartes won 45.91% of the votes, compared to 36.84% for Efrain Alegre of the ruling Liberal Party. He has conceded defeat.

Cartes is a wealthy businessman who only took up politics in 2009. He owns tobacco and drinks factories and was president of the Libertad football club, before becoming a member of the directing board of the Paraguayan Football Association.

He is set to take office for five years on August 15.

The electoral authorities said participation was just under 70% of the 3.5m registered voters. The country was choosing a new president and vice-president, 45 senators, 80 members of the lower house and 17 state governors.