Voters in Chile on Sunday returned
former president Michelle Bachelet to power.
The 62-year-old Bachelet fended off
center-right candidate Evelyn Matthei by winning 62 percent of a
runoff vote – the highest of any candidate since Chile returned to
democratic elections.
“The social and political conditions
are here and at last the moment has arrived,” Bachelet told
supporters. “If I'm here it's because we believe that a Chile for
everyone is necessary. It won't be easy, but when has it been easy
to change the world?”
Bachelet campaigned on promises to
overhaul education, improve health care and reduce income inequality.
After ending her 2006-10 presidency,
Bachelet accepted a high-profile United Nations post.
“I'm happy, not jut for me but for
all Chileans who have struggled so much in this country to finally
obtain something for the working class, for the poor,” a supporter
told AFP.
Bachelet also campaigned on gay
marriage, reiterating her support in several interviews. However,
her center-left New Majority coalition has only a slim majority in
both houses and a full plate.
Bachelet will take office in March.