Bachelet, who once was imprisoned by Chile's military dictatorship and went on to serve as defense minister, fell short of the 50 percent majority that would have made her the country's first female president.

Turnout was heavy for the fourth presidential election since Chile restored democracy after the 1973-90 dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet. Voting is mandatory, but fines are rarely imposed on those who fail to cast ballots.

Chileans will go to the polls again Jan. 15, with the successor to incumbent President Ricardo Lagos, who could not run for re-election by law, being sworn in on March 11 for a four-year term.

The Japan Times Weekly: Dec. 17, 2005
(C) All rights reserved