A 35-year-old activist, Gabriel Boric, has been elected as President of Chile in the country’s recent election.
The leftist candidate, who until recently, was organizing protests across Chile, won the election marginally and has become the country’s youngest leader in history.
In what was viewed to be a tight race, Boric defeated his far-right rival, Antonio Kast, with just over 10 points.
According to official results, Boric had 56% of the votes while Kast garnered 44% of the total votes, with Kast accepting defeat around one hour-and-a-half after polls closed, and with almost half of ballots counted.
In his acceptance speech, Boric revealed he would take on the job with humility and a “tremendous sense of responsibility”, and pledged to “firmly fight against the privileges of a few”.
He said: “We have an enormous challenge. I know that in the coming years, the future of our country is at stake, so I guarantee that I will be a president who cares for democracy and does not risk it, listens more than speaks, seeks unity, and attends to the needs of the people daily.”
Kast tweeted he had called Mr Boric to congratulate him on his “great triumph.” He added: “From today he is the elected President of Chile and deserves all our respect and constructive collaboration.”
