Peruvians elect Garcia president

Mr Garcia polled 53.52% of ballots to 46.47% for nationalist rival Ollanta Humala, with 91% of votes counted.

The two men had fought a fierce and aggressive campaign.

Mr Garcia, who served for five turbulent years from 1985-1990, told cheering supporters: "We thank the people of Peru."

He said the result was a blow for Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who had strongly supported his opponent.

"Today, the majority of the country has delivered a message in favour of national independence, of national sovereignty," he said.

"...They have defeated the efforts by Mr Hugo Chavez to integrate us into his militaristic and backwards expansion project he intends to impose over South America. Today, Peru has said no."

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