Polls: Morales retains Bolivian presidency

LA PAZ, Bolivia, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Bolivian President Evo Morales retained his post and his political party gained legislative power in the country's elections, exit polls indicate.

The Latin American Herald Tribune said Monday exit polls released by the TV networks ATB, Red Uno and Unitel have Morales easily defeating his competitors with at least 61 percent of the vote.

Exit polls showed former Cochabamba governor and current presidential candidate Manfred Reyes Villa earned 23 to 24 percent of the vote.

Morales' Movement Toward Socialism party appears also to be a major winner in the Bolivian elections.

Exit polls indicate the political party enjoyed victories in the legislative elections in nine Bolivian provinces, including Cochabamba, Chuquisaca and La Paz.

The Herald Tribune said polling surveys indicate the political party earned at least 24 of the available senate seats, along with a majority in Bolivia's lower house.