Chile: Left-wing Boric closes presidential campaign

Surrounded by thousands of supporters, leftist Chilean presidential candidate Gabriel Boric brought his campaign to a close on Thursday, three days ahead of the runoff that will determine the South American nation's next leader.

The 35-year-old represents Apruebo Dignidad (Approve Dignity), a left-wing coalition formed by the Frente Amplio (Broad Front) and the Communist Party.

Boric compared his opponent José Antonio Kast's campaign to General Augusto Pinochet's 1988 referendum campaign to extend his presidency for eight years.

Pinochet lost that referendum, putting an end to his 15 and a half years in power.

"It is the same as the Yes to Pinochet campaign, it is the exact same. Our campaign is not of fear; our campaign is of hope and concrete solutions," Boric said during his speech.

Early polls indicated that Boric could lead Kast by about five points, while local analysts agree that the result will be very close.

IMAGE: AP