Bachelet Leads In Chile Presidential Vote Count

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) – Michelle Bachelet is far ahead as votes are being counted in Chile’s presidential election, but she is running short of the outright majority needed to avoid a Dec. 15 runoff.

With more than 34 percent of the votes counted, Bachelet has 46 percent to 25 percent for her nearest rival, conservative Evelyn Matthei. Seven other candidates trail far behind. Bachelet was Chile’s president in 2006-10, before millions began joining in protests demanding major reforms. The socialist politician has promised big changes in taxes and education if she wins a second term. The key will be whether Bachelet’s center-left New Majority coalition will gain the super-majorities in Congress needed to make those changes.