Скачать или смотреть CHILE: SANTIAGO: RICARDO LAGOS ELECTED PRESIDENT

(17 Jan 2000) Spanish/Nat

Ricardo Lagos was elected Chile's first socialist president since Salvador Allende
on Sunday, narrowly defeating his conservative rival Joaquin Lavin, .

Lavin, who once worked in the government of former dictator General Augusto
Pinochet, conceded defeat and visited Lagos' campaign headquarters to congratulate him.

Hundreds of Lagos' supporters cheered wildly as the pair appeared on a balcony and hugged each other with their wives at their sides.

Right wing politics in Chile put in its strongest bid yet for the country's presidency following 17 years of dictatorship but ultimately fell short of victory.

This was the third presidential contest in a decade dominated by Chile's centre left alliance.

This round proved no exception and the relief on the face of many at the main voting headquarters in Santiago was obvious.

Joaquin Lavin, who previously worked for Pinochet during the dictatorship, was quick to congratulate the winner.

Lagos, whose socialists are partners with outgoing President Eduardo Frei's Christian Democrats in the coalition known as Concertacion, was equally quick to pay tribute to his supporters.

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"I humbly accept the people's vote and will do my utmost to safeguard Chile's interests."
SUPER CAPTION: Ricardo Lagos, President Elect of Chile

Lavin, of the right-wing Alliance for Chile, vowed to support Lagos in the new administration having lost with 48-point-6 per cent of the votes to Lagos's 51-point-3.

But there were emotional scenes at his campaign headquarters as the realisation broke of his defeat.

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"It has been a strong well fought campaign but I respect the vote of the people."
SUPER CAPTION: Joaquin Lavin, Conservative Leader

Turnout for Sunday's second round vote was high, with more than 7-point-3 (m) million of some 8 (m) million registered voters peacefully casting their ballots.

Polls closed with no reports of problems.

Lagos will be inaugurated on March 11 for a six-year term, succeeding Frei, who was constitutionally barred from re-election.

Some will no doubt link Sunday's vote to the continuing controversy surrounding the detention of former dictator Augusto Pinochet in Britain.

Lagos emerged as a leading figure in the fight against Pinochet in the mid-1980s.

After guerrillas made an attempt on Pinochet's life in 1986, Lagos was one of several leftists arrested by state security agents in a crackdown.

Lagos apparently had nothing to do with that attempt, and after spending several days in jail, he came out to work full-time for the restoration of democratic rule.

He remains a hero for Pinochet foes.

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