Michelle Bachelet
Image Reuters

Michelle Bachelet has returned to the Chilean presidency following an overwhelming victory in the country's national elections. The socialist former president won with a convincing 62.3 percent of votes over Evelyn Matthei of the conservative Independent Democratic Union party who obtained 37.7 percent of the votes. "I shall be a president for everyone in Chile," said Bachelet in a congratulatory phone call from President Sebastian Pinera. Bachelet will resume office in March next year.

Michelle Bachelet has promised to improve education and work towards greater wealth equality. These are two long-standing issues thanks to the legacy of Pinochet's dictatorship which effectively ended land reform and cut off government funding to public schools. Bachelet was elected as Chile's first female president in 2006, and despite achieving little significant changes during her term, she left office with an 84 percent approval rating. Chile's constitution prevents candidates seeking immediate reelection.

"Thanks to the millions of people who, today, have demonstrated with their vote that they believe in me -- just like I believe in you," said Bachelet following her victory.

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