LA PAZ (REUTERS) - Bolivia's socialist candidate Luis Arce is set to win the country's presidential election without the need for a run-off, an unofficial rapid count of the vote indicated, which would usher the left wing party of Evo Morales back into power.

The quick-count from Ciesmori, released by Bolivian TV channel Unitel, said Arce had 52.4 per cent of the votes, while Mesa had 31.5 per cent.

To win outright, a candidate needs at least 40 per cent of the vote and to beat the runner up by at least 10 percentage points.