By Beyza Binnur Donmez
ANKARA (AA) - Bolivia's president has declared himself the winner of the presidential elections Thursday after the first round, saying a 10% lead needed for victory has been achieved.
Evo Morales said in a press conference broadcast live on Twitter he had the needed votes against rival Carlos Mesa to avoid a second round.
According to Bolivian Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), Morales is leading Sunday's election with 46.83% of the vote, while his main opponent has 36.7%, with more than 98% of votes counted.
The TSE gives the victory to a candidate who has at least 50% plus one, or 40% with a 10-point advantage over the second place candidate in the first round.
Mesa said he will not recognize Morales' victory, claiming there was "fraud" in the vote count.
If Morales re-elected it will be his fourth consecutive term in the office.