Ex-Bishop wins Paraguay presidency

From the pulpit to the presidency - former Roman Catholic bishop Fernando Lugo is Paraguay's new leader.

His victory ends more than 60-years of one-party rule in the South American state.

The 56-year-old ousted the ruling Colorado Party with promises to tackle inequality and stamp out corruption.

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) PRESIDENT-ELECT FERNANDO LUGO, SAYING:

"May we never again in the political class of Paraguay, never again base our politics on clientelism or enticements. Because it has done so much damage to our national politics."

Car horns and firecrackers resounded through the capital Asuncion as thousands of Lugo supporters celebrated in the streets.

The Colorado Party's Blanca Ovelar, who was hoping to become Paraguay's first female president, conceded defeat.


(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE BLANCA OVELAR, SAYING:

"We accept our defeat. We welcome the Alianza candidate and we foresee a time of reconciliation for Paraguay."

Lugo quit the priesthood for politics three years ago to fight for the poor - nearly half of all Paraguayans live in poverty.

Land reform and renegotiating an energy treaty with neighbouring Brazil are high on his agenda, but with no single party expected to win a majority in Congress, Paraguay's new leader may be forced to cut deals with his rivals if he hopes to get his proposals passed.

Helen Long, Reuters

stamp out - end or extinguish by forceful means; "Stamp out poverty!"
en·tice tr.v. en·ticed, en·tic·ing, en·tic·es

To attract by arousing hope or desire; lure: The promise of higher pay enticed me into the new job. See Synonyms at lure.
cut a deal (American)

to make an agreement or an arrangement with someone, especially in business or politics. The property developer tried to cut a deal with us to get us out of the building.