Chile's presidential election is heading to a run-off vote on December 14, pitting the Communist Party's Jeanette Jara against far-right candidate José Antonio Kast after no candidate emerged victorious in the first round.
The electoral climate has intensely revolved around issues of crime and immigration, with rising numbers of migrants entering the country. Jara, from the governing coalition, managed to win the first round narrowly, closely followed by Kast.
Political experts suggest Kast may gain momentum in the next round, as Jara stood alone on the left against a fractured right-wing candidate base.
In the final vote, Chileans will need to unite behind either Jara or Kast. Kast is likely to attract support from other eliminated candidates, such as senator Evelyn Matthei and libertarian Congressman Johannes Kaiser. A victory for Kast could mark another shift to the right in Latin America.
Kast's platform includes harsh immigration policies, advocating for a border wall and increased security measures, which parallels global far-right movements. He has previously lost a presidential election run-off in 2021 and now seeks to capitalize on sentiments for stringent crime control.
Kast's association with past dictatorships, along with his controversial policies, raises complexities for many Chileans examining their choices as they face the increased challenges of organized crime and immigration in society.
Conversely, Jeanette Jara is recognized as a more center-left figure, and during her campaign, she emphasized the importance of maintaining democracy and addressing the pressing issues of minimum wage and border security through her policies as a member of the Communist Party.
Both candidates have rallied around the themes of crime and immigration, addressing the public's growing concerns as the country grapples with an increasing foreign population that has surged significantly since 2017.
This election marks a significant moment in Chilean history as it is the first time all voters were automatically registered and voting was compulsory, further emphasizing the importance of public participation in shaping the country's future.
