NEW DELHI (AP) -- A candidate from India's governing Congress party appears headed for victory in the election for the country's president, a largely ceremonial position. Former finance minister Pranab Mukherjee has opened up a wide lead.
The Press Trust of India news agency says Mukherjee, 76, received more than 50 percent of votes cast by national and state legislators, with nearly three-quarters of ballots counted.
The tally is continuing. An official announcement of the result is expected later Sunday.
Mukherjee faced former Parliament speaker Purno Agitok Sangma in the contest to succeed India's first female president, Pratibha Devisingh Patil.
Mukherjee has served as foreign minister, defense minister and finance minister at different times.
In India, the prime minister is the head of government and the presidency is a mostly ceremonial job.
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