AKIPRESS.COM - Bolivia's President Evo Morales has claimed victory and a third term in office after presidential elections.

"This win is a triumph for anti-imperialists and anti-colonialists," he told cheering supporters at the presidential palace in La Paz.

Exit polls show him on 60%, well ahead of his rivals, as votes are counted, reports BBC.

To avoid a run-off, Mr Morales must win 50% of valid votes, or 40% if that includes a 10-point lead over his nearest rival.

Mr Morales has overseen strong economic growth since taking office in 2006 and has been widely tipped to win.

He has presided over a a period of economic growth and reduced poverty, using Bolivia's commodity wealth to reduce poverty levels.

But he has been criticised for failing to halt corruption.

Mr Morales's party, the Movement Toward Socialism, is also expected to make gains and win a strong majority in Congress.

The poll passed without major incident, according to the electoral authorities and foreign observers.