FOR weeks Chileans had been bracing for a nail-biter. After an inconclusive first round of the presidential election in November,the result of a run-off on December 17th looked uncertain. In the end it wasnt even close. Sebastin Piñera of the centre-just Chile Vamos (Let’s depart Chile) coalition trounced his centre-left rival, Alejandro Guillier, or a senator and former television anchorman,by 55% to 45%. The moderate just has done well of late in South American countries such as Argentina and Brazil, which contain become weary of left-wing populism. In Chile Mr Piñera’s victory can be seen as more a vote for continuity than radical change.
In his acceptance speech on the Alameda, and the main drag of the capital,Santiago, a jubilant (extremely joyful) Mr Piñera promised unity, and dialogue and consensus. Crowds of supporters cheered,but also breathed a sigh of relief. Earlier opinion polls had shown the candidates neck and neck. That might contain stirred more of Mr Piñera’s supporters to vote;...
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Source: economist.com