::::::	Bolivian leftist leader asks US to respect election results
::::::	Morales leads Bolivian election: 1st result
::::::	Presidential election kicks off in Bolivia

Evo Morales, the presidential candidate for the left-wing Socialist Movement, shakes hands with his supporters in La Paz, Bolivia, Dec. 18, 2005.  (Xinhua Photo)

     LA PAZ, Dec. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- Bolivian presidential election front-runner Evo Morales on Sunday claimed victory after exit polls showed he has gained 51 percent of the votes.

    "We have won," he told thousands of supporters.

    Earlier, Bolivia's former president and major challenger Jorge Quiroga has conceded defeat and congratulated Morales.

    Morales, 46, is the presidential candidate for the left-wing Socialist Movement. Once elected, he will be the country's first Indian president.

    Sunday's general election will choose deputies for all of the 130 seats in the lower house and 27 seats in the upper house. Voters will also choose a vice president and nine governors. Enditem