After winning a presidential runoff election on Sunday, leftist and former student leader Gabriel Boric, 35, will become Chile’s youngest President.
Boric received 55.87 percent of the vote with 99.95 percent of ballots counted, defeating his right-wing opponent, Jose Antonio Kast, who received 44.13 percent, according to the Chilean Electoral Service. On March 11, Boric will be sworn in as President.
Kast had surrendered the election to Boric earlier in the day, congratulating his opponent “on his wonderful success.”
“He is the elected President of Chile as of today, and he deserves all of our respect and constructive cooperation. Chile is always in first place “Kast sent out a tweet.
President-elect Boric praised Chileans in a speech to supporters at his campaign headquarters on Sunday night. “I want to begin this historic moment, which is very thrilling and that the eyes of Chile and the world are watching,” he said. “I want to thank all Chileans who went to vote, honoring their commitment to democracy.”
“It makes no difference whether you did it for me or for my opponent; what matters is that you did it, that you were present, and that you show your loyalty to this nation that belongs to all of you.”
“Chileans have offered an example of democracy, you were part of it, I applaud you,” said outgoing Chilean President Sebastian Pinera earlier in the evening.
People holding banners and flags in favor of Boric were seen celebrating in Chile’s capital, Santiago, on Sunday evening. “I want to begin this historic moment, which is very thrilling and that the eyes of Chile and the world are watching,” he said, thanking all Chileans who went to vote and saluting their dedication to democracy.
