Former television personality, Jimmy Morales, has won a resounding victory in Guatemala’s presidential run-off according to preliminary official results released on Monday.
A statement by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) said that with almost 96 per cent of the votes counted so far, Morales, who ran under the platform of the National Convergence Front, got about 68.3 per cent votes.
His main rival, former first lady Sandra Torres had just fewer than 31.7 per cent votes.
Reacting to the development, Morales, 46, vowed to transform Guatemala into “a new country with responsibility and rights.”
“Guatemalans voted for change; this is a vote that aims to end corruption,” he told newsmen.
Morales’s predecessor Otto Molina, who resigned last month on corruption charges, is now in jail, along with his former vice president.
Meanwhile, Torres who ran under the platform of the Democrats, conceded defeat after the election results were announced.
“The people had made their choice and we respect that; we acknowledge the triumph of the candidate Morales,” Torres told newsmen.
Meanwhile, Morales’ supporters converged at the headquarters of National Convergence Front in Guatemala City to celebrate his victory.
No major incidents were reported during the election in which 7.5 million registered voters performed their civic responsibility.
