Right-wing leader 'wins' Cyprus presidency

Conservative leader Nicos Anastasiades has won the presidential election in Cyprus, state television has reported.

Anastasiades, who scored a decisive victory in Sunday's the presidential runoff vote, took between 57.5 and 61.5 percent of the vote, according to the exit poll by state broadcaster CyBC.

Communist-backed rival Stavros Malas trailed with between 38.5 and 42.5 percent, according to the poll.
Anastasiades will now be tasked with negotiating a crucial bailout for the European Union state on the brink of bankruptcy. His rival Malas is more wary of the austerity terms accompanying any rescue.

The announcement sparked instant celebrations with a large crowd gathering outside the offices in Nicosia of the winner's Disy party and supporters honking car horns across Nicosia.

Read more: Right-wing leader 'wins' Cyprus presidency - Europe - Al Jazeera English