Ex-President Pinera wins Chilean polls

Santiago Dec 18 (IANS) Right-wing candidate and former President Sebastian Pinera has won the presidential polls in Chile with over 50 per cent of the vote the country s electoral body said. This will be his second term.

With 99.93 per cent of ballots counted Pinera on Sunday got 54.58 per cent of the vote against centre-left candidate Alejandro Guillier who won 45.42 per cent the poll body said.

Pinera 69 was Chilean President between 2010 and 2014 Efe news reported.

Speaking alongside Guillier Pinera struck a gracious tone on Sunday. The President-elect said he had great appreciation and affection for Guillier.

He also said he had read Guillier s campaign programme very carefully and agreed with some of the ideas. Pinera added that they would discuss differences "with a republican spirit".

"Chile needs agreements more than clashes ... dialogue and collaboration as that is how countries progress on solid foundations " Pinera said.

He admitted to having been surprised in both rounds of the election. Guillier has accepted his defeat and congratulated Pinera in his concession speech.

--IANS
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