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Chile tries capitalism, again. Mary Anastasia O'Grady. @WSJOpinion

Center-right former President Sebastián Piñera, of the “Let’s Go Chile” coalition, ran on a platform to deepen market reforms and restore economic growth. Leftist Sen. Alejandro Guillier, candidate for the socialist “New Majority” coalition, promised to put social justice and government intervention in the economy above individual liberty.

Ahead of the balloting Mr. Piñera—who got 36.6% of the vote in the first round against Mr. Guillier’s 22.7%—was narrowly favored. But pollsters said the race was too close to call. In the end Mr. Piñera won with some 54.5% of the vote; Mr. Guillier admitted it was “a tough defeat.” Yet the socialists gave Chileans who treasure freedom a scare. This election season ought to be seen as a shot across their bow.