Iran Press/ America: Arce, a former economy minister under Morales, claimed victory in Sunday's election after exit polls suggested a crushing victory over centrist rival Carlos Mesa.
According to France24, Mesa conceded Monday, saying Arce's 20-point margin of victory was 'very forceful and very clear'.
Exit polls handed over 52 percent of the vote to Arce, with Mesa mustering just 31.5 percent -- upending predictions he would force a second-round runoff in November.
Private polling companies showed Arce winning by a similar margin. Official results are expected to take days.
Much attention now focuses on Morales. "Sooner or later we are going to return to Bolivia, that is not in debate," Morales told a press conference in Buenos Aires.
"My great desire is to return to Bolivia and enter my region. It is a matter of time," said Morales, who was ousted amid protests after his victory in the 2019 elections was annulled over rigging allegations.
Morales resigned on November 10 after losing the support of the armed forces in the midst of the crisis that left 36 dead and hundreds wounded.
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