Bolivia’s Morales Congratulates Peru’s Humala For 1st round election success
Robert Kozak, Dow Jones Newswires, April 11, 2011
Bolivian President Evo Morales has sent a letter congratulating nationalist president candidate Ollanta Humala for his first- round lead following Sunday’s elections in Peru, according to official Bolivian news agency ABI.
Left-leaning Morales applauded the decision of Peruvians “to advance with the transformation of their nation and its institutions,” ABI said.
Humala, 48, a former military officer, is promising a “grand transformation” in Peru.
The latest data from Peruvian government elections agency, ONPE, while still incomplete, shows Humala with 28.69% of the vote for president and Congresswoman Keiko Fujimori in second place, with 22.69%. A run off will take place on June 5.
“Receive in my name, from the government and from the Bolivian people, a fraternal and revolutionary salute,” Morales said.
Morales, elected in 2005, has given the state greater control over natural resources.
In Peru, Humala wants to increase taxes on mining companies, stop natural-gas exports, and increase state control over certain sectors of the economy, among other things.
Humala ran for president in 2006, with the support of Venezuela’s socialist President Hugo Chavez, an ally of Bolivia’s Morales.
In this election, Humala has worked to moderate his message and has worked to distance himself from Chavez.
Peripheral Revision 
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