Bolivian Election Results: Luis Arce Declared Winner in Exit Polls

Exit polls in Bolivia declared socialist Luis Arce, the hand-picked candidate of former leader Evo Morales, the victor in a high-stakes re-run of last year's annulled ballot that saw the leftist leader resign and leave the country. A quick count of sampled polling stations by pollster Cies Mori said Arce had 52% of the votes, compared to 31% for former President Carlos Mesa - the top finisher of four conservative candidates.

Speaking from his party's headquarters, Luis Arce, the former economy minister affirmed his victory and said that the election was "a very important step forward."

More than six hours after polls closed, barely 4% of all ballot boxes had been counted, officials said.

The early official results, which included tallies from Bolivians voting at embassies abroad, favoured Mesa, the strongest of a number of conservative candidates trying to prevent a return of socialist rule.

Mesa, a former journalist and historian, had 52% and Arce was second at 32%.

To win in the first round, a candidate needs more than 50% of the vote, or 40% with a lead of at least 10 percentage points over the second-place candidate. A run-off vote, if necessary, would be held on November 28.

Bolivians have long been accustomed to quick preliminary results in presidential elections.

But after allegations of fraud and violent protests marred last year's ballot, newly installed electoral authorities have been appealing for patience, reminding voters that they have up to five days to declare a winner.