Santiago: Nearly 15.6 million Chileans are heading to the polls in a presidential runoff that could mark the sharpest rightward shift in the country since the end of the military dictatorship in 1990.
The runoff pits far-right Republican Party founder Jose Antonio Kast against leftist coalition candidate Jeannette Jara from the Communist Party. While Jara won November’s first round with 26.85 percent of the vote, Kast finished second with 23.92 percent. Analysts suggest most supporters of other right-wing candidates are likely to back Kast, giving him a clear path to the presidency.
Campaigns focus on crime and security
As the campaigns drew to a close, both candidates focused on the issue dominating voters’ concerns. Speaking from Temuco, a region affected by conflicts with Indigenous Mapuche groups, Kast promised to restore order.
Despite Chile being one of the safest countries in Latin America, recent surges in organised crime and immigration have rattled voters. Leftist President Gabriel Boric, barred from consecutive re-election, has struggled with declining approval ratings amid the challenges, despite boosting police funding, creating organised crime task forces, and deploying the military to the northern borders.
Jara, meanwhile, urged voters not to leave their ballots blank, emphasising the need for strong social programs while also committing to tough measures on crime.
Economic implications
A Kast victory is expected to be welcomed by investors anticipating market-friendly reforms, including deregulation and changes to the copper-rich country’s pension system. Following the first round, the Chilean peso strengthened and equities surged, reflecting optimism about potential economic stability under a right-wing government.
This marks Kast’s third presidential bid and second runoff, after losing to Boric in 2021. Analysts note that voters, frustrated with traditional parties, may now be more receptive to his hard-line positions.
Mandatory voting adds uncertainty
This election is the first under a new mandatory voting system with automatic registration for citizens over 18, adding uncertainty as about 20 percent of voters remain undecided or plan to leave blank ballots. Political analysts say the outcome may hinge on which candidate attracts these undecided voters.
Polling and voting
Polls will close at 6 p.m. local time (2100 GMT), and initial results are expected shortly after. Chileans are choosing between continuity of leftist policies or a sharp turn to the right amid concerns over security, immigration, and economic reform.
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