Presidential Elections here in Chile!

Yes, Chile now has had elections and voted in a democratic way to have Sebastian Piñera as the new President of the country.

On Sunday, last week, all of the registered voters in Chile must return to their original place of registration to vote in order to avoid a heafty fine/multa. They travel quickly, with purpose that reminds me of Mary and Joseph returning to Bethlehem to be taxed...back in their city from before. Here in Chile, the people line streets, cars, walking, buses, etc to arrive to their schools, churches, places of voting, which are orderly and respectful. These are well protected, and with local carbineros de Chile/police enforcing the discipline, it went off without a hitch. These are not done electronically, so the votes are opened and counted with many witnesses, and they tallies began to come in by 6pm that afternoon. Pdte Pinera ran against Frei, who had previously been the President in Chile. It was a close race, but there were no battles or discussions by the time the votes began to arrive showing a slight lead but consistent from Pinera. By 7pm, Senor Frei conceeded. It was all done in an orderly, respectful and well-organized manner. We were impressed.