She 's back . Socialist Michelle Bachelet , who was Chile 's president from 2006 to 2010 , cruised to victory in Sunday 's presidential runoff . With more than 93 % of votes counted , she won 62.3 % of votes , election officials said . Evelyn Matthei of the conservative Independent Democratic Union party garnered 37.7 % of votes and conceded the election . `` I shall be a president for everyone in Chile , '' Bachelet said during a congratulatory phone call from President Sebastian Pinera . She will take over from him in March . In her victory speech , Bachelet promised to improve education and work for equality . She thanked her supporters . `` Thanks to the millions of people who , today , have demonstrated with their vote that they believe in me -- just like I believe in you , '' she said . Bachelet was the first female president of Chile and left office with high approval ratings . In 2010 , she was tapped to head U.N. Women , a United Nations agency created to promote gender equality around the world . Chilean voters first cast ballots last month , but no candidate secured enough votes then to declare victory . The South American country 's constitution requires a presidential candidate to garner more than 50 % of votes to win . Presidents are prohibited from seeking immediate re-election .
`` I shall be a president for everyone in Chile , '' says United Nations . She was Chile 's president from 2006 to 2006 . With 37.7 % of ballots counted , Bachelet wins 62.3 % of votes . Bachelet garners 37.7 % of votes , election officials say .