By Andres Schipani in Buenos Airesand Stephen Foley Argentinians were on track last night to elect a modern Evita as the country's first female president, in a ballot steeped in the memory and the mythology of their sainted former first lady, Eva Peron.

By Bill Cormier THE ASSOCIATED PRESS BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - First lady Cristina Fernandez claimed victory in Argentina's presidential election Sunday, with early results and exit polls suggesting she had avoided a runoff and become the first woman elected to the post.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina _ In a widely expected landslide victory, Argentine first lady Sen. Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner was on track to winning her country's presidency Sunday night and becoming Latin America's second woman to be elected president within two years.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina _ In a widely expected landslide victory, Argentine first lady Sen. Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner was on track to winning her country's presidency Sunday night and becoming Latin America's second woman to be elected president within two years.

First lady Cristina Fernandez claimed victory in Argentina's presidential election Sunday, with early results and exit polls suggesting she had avoided a runoff and become the first woman elected to the post.