Latin American dictators congratulate left-wing Gabriel Boric on Chilean presidential victory

Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro congratulated left-wing Chilean president-elect Gabriel Boric for his victory in the Chilean elections on Sunday, in which he obtained 55.86 percent of the votes.

"I congratulate the Approve Dignity Coalition for its victory, and the new president-elect of Chile, Gabriel Boric. I salute the people of Salvador Allende and Victor Jara for their resounding victory over fascism," Maduro tweeted on Sunday. The Chavista leader went on to describe Chile’s election on Sunday as a “great democratic day.”

Felicito al Pacto Apruebo Dignidad por su victoria, y al nuevo presidente electo de Chile, Gabriel Boric. Saludo al pueblo de Salvador Allende y de Víctor Jara por su contundente victoria sobre el fascismo. ¡Gran Jornada democrática! ¡Viva Chile! pic.twitter.com/cJZZ4wtqNO

— Nicolás Maduro (@NicolasMaduro) December 20, 2021

The head of the Cuban regime, Miguel Díaz-Canel, was also quick to send his congratulations to Boric, saying, "We ratify our will to expand bilateral relations and cooperation between both peoples and governments."

Cordiales felicitaciones a @gabrielboric por su elección como Presidente de Chile en histórica victoria popular. Ratificamos voluntad de ampliar las relaciones bilaterales y de cooperación entre ambos pueblos y gobiernos. https://t.co/JFkJ57YetR

— Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez (@DiazCanelB) December 19, 2021

Nicaraguan strongman Daniel Ortega also sent a message to Boric, congratulating him on his presidential victory.

"With respect and joy we salute your historic triumph, achieved with the brave Chilean people, inspired by the ever-present legacy of the president of dignity, Salvador Allende, and of so many heroes and martyrs of that great land," wrote Ortega. 

According to official data, Boric obtained wide support in Chile’s capital, Santiago, where half of the voters are located – as well as in other regions with large urban centers, such as Valparaíso, where he enjoyed a 20 point lead over conservative Jose Antonio Kast.

"I will be the president of Chile, of all Chilean men and women, I will not govern only within four walls," Boric said during a televised phone call with outgoing president Sebastián Piñera.

On Sunday evening, Kast tweeted his concession saying, “I just spoke with Gabriel Boric and congratulated him on his great triumph. As of today he is the President elect of Chile and deserves all our respect and constructive collaboration. Chile always comes first.”