OneWorld.net (U.S.)

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 22 (OneWorld) - Paraguayans are celebrating the Sunday win of presidential opposition candidate and progressive former bishop Fernando Lugo.

Lugo's victory brings to a close the 61-year reign of the conservative Colorado party.

Many observers are hailing the vote as the beginning of "a new chapter" in Paraguay, with one jubilant woman celebrating in downtown Asunción exclaiming, "We are a new nation!"

Paraguayans are also voicing their delight virtually, with some writing about their anticipation of "positive changes" following the "corrupt" rule of the Colorado party.

Amidst the celebration, however, one blogger did tip his hat to Blanca Ovelar, the Colorado party candidate who lost to Lugo by 10 points, for her "graceful" defeat. Although Ovelar failed to impress Paraguayans, particularly women, she did make history as the country's first female presidential candidate.

The landmark election follows similar votes across Latin America that have empowered left-leaning candidates after long periods of conservative rule.