Indeed , former president Jorge Alessandri had been elected in 1958 with only 31.6 % of the popular vote , defeating Allende .
Tradition was for Congress to vote for the candidate with the highest popular vote , regardless of margin .
Former president Jorge Alessandri had been elected in 1958 with only 31.6 % of the popular vote , defeating Allende .
Tradition was for Congress to vote for the candidate with the highest popular vote , regardless of margin .