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Former defense chief Santos to become Colombia's new president

RIA Novosti

07:29 21/06/2010 MOSCOW, June 21 (RIA Novosti) - Juan Manuel Santos, who pledged to continue policies of the current superpopular head of state, won a landslide victory in Sunday's presidential runoff, according to preliminary results.

With 99% of votes counted, Santos received 69% of the votes in the runoff election, leaving ex-mayor of Bogota and former university rector Antanas Mockus far behind with 27%. Santos will be sworn in on August 7.

The turnout was below 50% due to threats from Marxist-Leninist guerrilla group FARC, bad weather and the World Cup.

Santos gained popularity for his successful fight against FARC, established in 1960s. It is considered a terrorist organization by the Colombian government, the U.S. and the EU.

During his tenure as defense minister, the governmental troops dealt a series of blows against the leftist movement, killing about 50 top-ranking FARC members. Santos is also known for the non-violent rescue of former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, held hostage since 2002.

In his presidential campaign Santos relied heavily on the popularity of incumbent Alvaro Uribe, who had a 70% rating of approval, but was barred by the constitution to run for the third term.

Mockus has already congratulated his opponent on the election victory.

"I wish Santos every success as a ruler for the benefit of our country," he said.

Santos, in his turn, called on the nation to show unity.

"Columbia waits many concrete measures from us, and we will not evade them. I call on the Colombian people to show unity and consent, to jointly work for the benefit of our motherland," he said.

He also invited Mockus to work in the country's government to "make Colombia more educated, just and united."

Mockus has long been known by Colombians for his extravagant behavior — he got married at a circus, sitting on top of an elephant, and publicly showered with his wife in a TV ad to promote water conservation.