Lebanese Ministry of Information
Left-wing candidate Andrés Manuel López Obrador is heading for a clear victory in Mexico’s presidential election.
Electoral officials said a quick count after Sunday’s poll indicated the former mayor of Mexico City had won with about 53% of the vote – more than double that of his nearest challenger.
Exit polls also put Mr López Obrador, known by his initials Amlo, well ahead.
His closest rivals have both admitted defeat and congratulated Mr López Obrador on his victory.
Ruling party candidate José Antonio Meade, who lies in third place according to initial results, told supporters that he wished him “the greatest success”.
Mr Meade’s Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) has dominated Mexican politics for much of the past century but has slumped in popularity.
Ricardo Anaya, candidate for the conservative National Action Party (PAN), looked set to be runner-up to Mr López Obrador.
“I recognise his triumph, I express my congratulations, and I wish him the greatest success for the good of Mexico,” Mr Anaya said.
How has Mr López Obrador reacted?
In his first public comments following the election, Mr López Obrador said that eradicating corruption and impunity would be the primary mission of his administration.
He also said he would seek “friendship and co-operation” with the United States.
Relations with Washington have been strained since the election of President Donald Trump who has strongly criticised Mexico over trade and migration.
However, Mr Trump took to Twitter on Sunday to congratulate Mr López Obrador “on becoming the next president of Mexico”.
Sunday’s election followed one of Mexico’s deadliest campaigns in decades with more than 130 political candidates and party workers killed.
BBC NEWS
