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Mexico's Lopez Obrador claims historic win in presidential election

Updated: 2018-07-02 13:34

"I desire with all my soul to raise the greatness of our country on high." The president-in-waiting devoted much of his speech to appealing to citizens of all stripes and seeking to reassure those who have eyed his candidacy nervously.

Supporters began wild celebrations in Mexico City, cruising up and down the central Paseo de la Reforma boulevard honking horns to the tune of "Viva Mexico!" and waving Mexican flags from car windows and moon roofs.

Thousands poured into the sprawling main square known as the Zocalo, where the 64-year-old former mayor had called on his backers to rally Sunday night. Many danced to the trills of mariachi music.

Lopez Obrador spoke to the crowd there around midnight, saying to loud applause: "Today one stage has ended and we are going to begin another one — we are going to transform Mexico!"

Lopez Obrador, commonly known by his initials, "AMLO," was making his third bid for the country's highest office, having falling short in the 2006 and 2012 elections.

Sunday was the first time that an independent candidate appeared on the ballot.

It was also the first time Mexicans living abroad were able to vote for down-ballot races like senators. More than 181,000 received ballots and the 97,000 that the National Electoral Institute had gotten back by Friday morning were already double the number received in 2012.

Sunday's vote was largely peaceful and electoral authorities reported only isolated incidents.

AP

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