Chile’s election aftermath ironically speaks volumes about America

Photo by Max Sulik on Unsplash

The aftermath of the December 19 Chilean presidential election ironically says more about the parlous state of the United States than anything happening in America today.

Let me explain.

Within hours of the victory of 25-year-old former student activist Gabriel Boric, he met outgoing President Sebastian Pinera in Santiago. President Pinera, who will be stepping down in March, had earlier offered Mr Boric his government’s full support during the three-month transition.

Mr Boric also met his far-right rival Jose Antonio Kast, who had personally travelled to Mr Boric’s campaign headquarters to salute the election winner.

Mr Kast incidentally conceded defeat right after the votes were counted, tweeting a photo of himself on the phone congratulating his opponent on his “grand triumph”.

It’s impossible not to be impressed by the historic turnout, the willingness of Kast to concede and congratulate his opponent even before final results were in, and the generous word…