Hard-fought
Presidential Race in Chile
SANTIAGO DE CHILE - The presidential race
between former President Eduardo Frei and
millionaire rightist Sebastian Piñera is
officially over, and the about seven million
Chilean voters now have 48 hours to think.
Speeches and campaigns were brought to an
end yesterday, according to electoral laws,
and now there is room to reflect on the vote
an electorate almost divided in two will
cast Sunday.
Frei closed his campaign in La Granja
locality, accompanied by former president
Ricardo Lagos and Angela Jeria, mother of
President Michelle Bachelet, while Piñera
did so in the southern city of Concepcion,
along with leaders from his coalition.
Analysts predict a technical tie in the
hard-fought elections, with a possible
difference of two percent points, according
to Mori's latest poll.
Experts in Chile note "the election is
open," that is, little can be done in coming
hours to change figures, except for catching
the vote of those undecided, who this time
could define the future government.
A poll on Tuesday showed 50.9 percent for
Piñera and 49.1 percent for Frei. Of the
over 40 politicians from both sides
interviewed, leftist representatives
consider that Piñera will win 52-48, and
those from the ruling faction affirm Frei
will be the winner, with 51-49. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
