And, yes, I DO take it personally: The center-left FEMALE candidate still in the lead in Chile

Mandy: Great blog!
Mark: Thanks to all the contributors on this blog. When I want to get information on the events that really matter, I come here.
Penny: I'm glad I found your blog (from a comment on Think Progress), it's comprehensive and very insightful.
Eric: Nice site....I enjoyed it and will be back.
nora kelly: I enjoy your site. Keep it up! I particularly like your insights on Latin America.
Alison: Loquacious as ever with a touch of elegance -- & right on target as usual!

"Everybody's worried about stopping terrorism. Well, there's a really easy way: stop participating in it."
- Noam Chomsky

Follow @profmarcus

Send tips and other comments to: profmarcus2010@yahoo.com /* ---- overrides for post page ---- */ .post { padding: 0; border: none; }

And, yes, I DO take it personally

Monday, December 12, 2005

The center-left FEMALE candidate still in the lead in Chile

the chilean center-left candidate made a strong showing in yesterday's balloting... the next 18 months should continue to be interesting as more and more latin american countries go to the polls...

Michelle Bachelet has taken a firm lead in the race to become president of Chile, but looks set to face a strong right-wing challenge in a run-off.

The centre-left candidate - hoping to become Chile's first woman president - won nearly 46%, with more than 95% of ballots counted, the government said.

She will face Sebastian Pinera in a 15 January run-off, after third-placed Joaquin Lavin admitted defeat.

Mr Lavin has thrown his support behind Mr Pinera, a millionaire businessman.

He announced on television he was going "to congratulate Sebastian, to express my total support".

The two men's combined vote was running at about 49%, suggesting the run-off could be tight.