Humala edges Fujimori in Peru's presidential election

2011-06-06 20:14:15 GMT+7 (ICT)

LIMA, PERU (BNO NEWS) -- Peru's electoral administration on Monday declared that Ollanta Humala had become the country's new President, after his slight lead over Keiko Fujimori was made official.

Humala, 48, of Lima, Peru and former army Lieutenant Colonel, received 50.7 percent of the votes, compared to Fujimori's 49.3 percent, Peru's National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE) said, after counting 81.2 percent of the votes. Fuijimori, 36, is the daughter of former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori, who is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence for his participation in the Grupo Colina death squad killings and kidnappings in the 1990s.

"Thank you very much dear brothers," Humala said at Lima's May 2 Plaza, where thousands of his supporters gathered. "Thank you all. We have finished the electoral process. We have patiently waited for ONPE's official results, and we now see that its partial results have us winning Peru's Presidency."

During his speech, Humala said he would build a "national concentrated" government, stating that he was renewing his commitment with the Peruvian people with "economic growth" and "social unity."

In addition, Humala, who spoke for around 30 minutes and was accompanied by his wife Nadine Heredia, talked about making "necessary transformations," which included solving health issues and corruption.

Humala had previously run for President in 2006, but lost a runoff to Alan Garcia, who he is now succeeding. In October 2000, he led a military uprising against Alberto Fujimori prior to his impeachment due to numerous corruption scandals.

The Peruvian Army tried to capture Humala and the rebels, who hid until Fujimori's impeachment, and he was later pardoned by Congress and returned to military duty. He was then forced into military retirement in 2004.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-06-06

YESSSSSSS!

Even if the narrow margin will create a problem in the future politics its good to see that the left isnt loosing S.America to the Right.

T