Boric 35, wins Chile Presidential runoff election

By Adodo Osewengie

The leftist, Gabriel Boric, has won Chile’s presidential run-off election Sunday to become the next President of Chile in March  2022.

The 35-year-old Chilean, according to the Electoral Service of Chile, pulled about 55.87% of the gote cast to defeat his closest rival, Jose Anthonio Kast who garnered approximately, 44.13% with about 99.95% of the votes already counted.

With the victory of Boric, he has written his name in history as the youngest President to rule Chile and the second youngest in the whole of South America after President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador.

Chilean President-elect, Gabriel Boric has extended his gratitude to the people of Chile for their supports after his victory at the polls, noting that their commitment to the country’s democracy is worth commending.

The leftist said it does not matter who voted for him or not, but for the singular fact that the people came out to support the system to elect their next President is laudable. 

Boric at the campaign headquarters Sunday, said, “I want to begin this historical moment which is tremendously exciting, and that the eyes of Chile and the world are watching, thanking all Chileans who went to vote, honoring their commitment to democracy.

“It doesn’t matter if you did it for me or my opponent; the important thing is that you did it, you were present, you showed your commitment to this country that belongs to each of you” he added.

His right-wing opponent, Jose Antonio Kast, has taken to Twitter handle to congratulate Boric on his victory. “from today he is the elected President of Chile and deserves all our respect and constructive collaboration. Chile is always first”, Kast said.

According to the report, the two leading candidates for Chile Presidential seat after the general election, held on November 21, were Boric and Kast.

Kast who has surprised critics over his swift growth in popularity was unable to pull a total of 50 percent of votes cast to avoid a runoff. He was able to garner only 28 percent of the votes while Boric got 25 percent. One of the agenda of Kast, a former congressman and 55 years of age, was to reduce tax for companies and to build barriers in the north of Chile to prevent migrants from gaining illegal access into the country.

The President of Chile, Sebastian Pinera, who will be leaving office in March 2022 has congratulated Boric. He said, “Chileans have given an example of democracy, you were part of that, I congratulate you.”