Ecuador's Lefty President Nabs Landslide Win

Correa is country's first incumbent to be reelected in 37 years

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 27, 2009 7:38 AM CDT

(Newser) – Voters reelected Rafael Correa as president of Ecuador yesterday, making the US-educated leftist the first incumbent to win reelection since 1972. "We have made history," said Correa at his victory rally. After his three predecessors were all thrown out of office amid anti-government protests, Correa has brought a sea change to the South American nation, reports CNN.

While full results of yesterday's vote were still unavailable, Correa seems to have won about 55% of the vote, more than 25 points ahead of his nearest rival. Barely out of school when he took office in 2007, Correa has jacked up government spending for the poor and brought stability to a restless nation, albeit sometimes with strong-arm tactics.

[Images (5)]

[Quotes (2)]

Ecuador's President Rafael Correa gestures to supporters after the first unofficial exit polls showed he was leading in presidential elections in Quito, Sunday, April 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)

Ecuador's President Rafael Correa speaks to supporters after the first unofficial exit polls showed he was leading in presidential elections in Quito, Sunday, April 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)

Ecuador's President Rafael Correa gestures after learning the first unofficial exit polls show he is leading in presidential elections in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Sunday, April 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

Ecuador's President Rafael Correa waves after casting his ballot during presidential elections in Quito, Sunday, April 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Patricio Realpe)

Supporters of Ecuador's President Rafael Correa gather to celebrate after learning first unofficial exit poll results show Correa leading in presidential elections in Guayaquil, April 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

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He's aggressive. He has said what he wants to do and he has actually gotten it done. He's an angry young man who anger works for. - Peter Hakim, president of the Inter-American Dialogue policy organization

Correa is an extremely odd fish. No one can claim him as their own. - Larry Birns, director of the Council on Hemispheric Affairs policy group

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Ecuador's Lefty President Nabs Landslide Win