Chile Elects Pro-Gay Marriage President

Former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, that nation's first female leader, was returned to power on Sunday after stepping down in 2010 because of a rule that forbids consecutive terms. Bachelet's campaign platform included a promise to pursue same-sex marriage.

The 62-year-old Bachelet fended off center-right candidate Evelyn Matthei by winning 62 percent of a runoff vote – the highest of any candidate since Chile returned to democratic elections. “The social and political conditions are here and at last the moment has arrived,” Bachelet told supporters. “If I'm here it's because we believe that a Chile for everyone is necessary. It won't be easy, but when has it been easy to change the world?” Bachelet also campaigned on gay marriage, reiterating her supporter in several interviews. However, her center-left New Majority coalition has only a slim majority in both houses and a full plate.

Three South American nations currently permit same-sex marriage: Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.