Google Alert - BUENOS AIRES, Argentina Oct 28, 2007 (AP) Several major exit polls suggested that first lady Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner won the presidency Sunday by a large enough margin to avoid a runoff. She would be the first woman ever elected to Argentina's presidency.
Official results were due later Sunday in the race between the heavily favored Fernandez and 13 rivals. Fernandez's husband, President Nestor Kirchner, is credited with Argentina's rebound from a 2001 economic collapse, and much of her support is due to his popularity.
Her closest challengers, former lawmaker Elisa Carrio and former Economy Minister Roberto Lavagna, were trying to force her into a Nov. 25 runoff. She needed 40 percent of the vote, with a lead of more than 10 percent over her nearest rival, to win outright.
Five independent television networks and at least one private radio station reported their exit polls indicated Fernandez has easily won a first-round victory. Three of the television networks released their numbers, giving Fernandez 42-46 percent of the vote, with advantages of 19-23 percent over Carrio.
Fernandez, a senator who harnessed President Nestor Kirchner's achievements in bringing Argentina back from a $100 billion debt default, won the support of many Argentines despite offering few original proposals.
Her closest challengers, former lawmaker Elisa Carrio and former Economy Minister Roberto Lavagna, were trying to force her into a Nov. 25 runoff, but all major pre-election polls showed her getting the 40 percent with a lead of more than 10 percent she needs to win outright.
Argentina's 27.1 million registered voters, who are required by law to cast ballots, were also filling dozens of House and Senate seats and nine governorships, including the post in powerful Buenos Aires province where 40 percent of the electorate resides.