Puerto Rico ratifies election results

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Puerto Rico has ratified the election of its new governor, Anibal Acevedo Vila, who won by a slight margin, ELNuevo Dia reported Friday.

Acevedo Vila, from the ruling Popular Democratic Party, reportedly defeated Pedro Rossello by about 0.2 percent of the vote, according to government estimates.

The two candidates squared off in November to determine who would run the U.S. commonwealth. Election officials, however, were unable to ratify the final results until Thursday.

Acevedo Vila will assume office next month, taking over for Gov. Sila Calderon, who came into power in 2000.