Rahm Emanuel elected next mayor of Chicago

Mr Emanuel, who is also a former congressman, trumped five rivals with 55% of the vote and avoided a run-off, with 86% of the precincts reporting.

He will now replace Mayor Richard Daley, who has been in office since 1989 and is stepping down.

Mr Emanuel needed 50% of the vote to win outright on Tuesday evening.

President Barack Obama sent his congratulations to his former chief of staff, saying the victory was well-deserved.

"As a Chicagoan and a friend, I couldn't be prouder. Rahm will be a terrific mayor for all the people of Chicago," said the president.

Other candidates vying for the mayor's seat included former Senator Carol Moseley-Braun, City Clerk Miguel del Valle and longtime city official Gery Chico.

Mr Chico received 24% of the vote, while Mr del Valle and Ms Braun each had 9%. Two other candidates each received about 1%.

Mr Chico and Ms Braun quickly conceded to Mr Emanuel; Kazinform cites BBC News.

See www.bbc.co.uk for full version