Celebrations as Uruguay polls close

A former left-wing guerrilla has taken a commanding lead in several exit polls from Uruguay’s presidential election.

But most polls show Senator Jose Mujica has narrowly failed to pass the 50% needed to avoid a run-off vote.

If a second round is officially confirmed, he is likely to face his main conservative rival, the former president, Luis Lacalle.

After polls closed, supporters of his ruling left-wing Broad Front Party celebrated in the capital Montevideo.

Full story and link can be found at:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8325345.stm

Tags: conservative rival, left-wing Broad, presidential election