Great Wall could be new world wonder

The Great Wall, the Colosseum and Machu Picchu are among the leading contenders to become the new seven wonders of the world as a massive poll enters its final weeks with votes already cast by more than 50 million people.

Also in the top 10 are Greece’s Acropolis, Mexico’s Chichen Itza pyramid, the Eiffel Tower, Easter Island, Brazil’s Statue of Christ Redeemer, the Taj Mahal and Jordan’s Petra.

The Great Pyramids of Giza, the only surviving structures from the original seven wonders of the ancient world, are assured of keeping their status in addition to the new seven after indignant Egyptian officials said it was a disgrace they had to compete for a spot.

The voting deadline is July 6. The winners will be announced July 7 in Lisbon, Portugal.

Latin Americans and Asians have been the most enthusiastic voters so far in the final round of 20 candidates for the world’s top architectural marvels, but people from every country have voted by Internet or phone, says the nonprofit organization conducting the balloting.

“It’s the first ever global vote,” said Tia B. Viering, spokeswoman for the “New 7 Wonders of the World” campaign.

The organizers are hoping for a final surge of voting from the United States and Europe to make the selection truly global.