Chile holds presidential run-off election

(Vatican Radio) The people of Chile are today going to the polls to choose a new leader, in the second round of the Presidential Election.

Surveys, polls and most indications point to a runaway victory for socialist Michelle Bachelet, a former President of Chile who wants the top job again. A paediatrician by profession, who led Chile between 2006 and 2010, she left the job with a record popularity rating in the 80's. In the first round of this election last month, Michelle Bachelet gained 47 per cent of the vote.

Her nearest rival, who's contesting this second round, is right of centre Evelyn Matthei. She gained 25 per cent of the vote in the first round. She was a Labour Minister in the current government.

Bachelet has campaigned to raise corporate taxes to help make Chile's education free. During the last four years there have been huge and constant protests by students, mostly focused upon steep fees at private universities. On this key issue, Matthei opposes tax hikes. She says Chile should stick to the model the present government is following, as the people are significantly better off than they were four years ago.

Listen to James Blears’ report: