Former president Michelle Bachelet wins Chile's presidential run-off

Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Socialist Michelle Bachelet, Chile's president from 2006 to 2010, is president again after winning the presidential run-off on Sunday.

When President Sebastian Pinera called to congratulate her, Bachelet responded "I shall be president for everyone in Chile." She was the first female Chilean president and left office in 2010 with high approval ratings.

Bachelet ran on a platform that advocated increased corporate taxes, better access to higher education, and revisions to Chile's constitution which is a holdover from dictator General Augusto Pinochet's 1973-1990 regime.

The run-off was held since no candidate in last month's election was able to secure more than 50% of the votes necessary to win under Chilean law. In the run-off, Bachelet captured 62% of the vote over her opponent, Evelyn Matthei. Bachelet will take office in March.

[CNN] [New York Times]