Partial results from Chile’s presidential election show that former Labour Minister Jeannette Jara and far-right candidate Jose Antonio Kast will face off in a decisive run-off in December. With about 52% of votes counted, Jara leads with 26.58%, while Kast follows closely at 24.32%.
Jara represents a coalition of eight leftist parties, and her campaign has focused on safety and the rising cost of living. She has vowed to expand the police force and modify banking laws to tackle organized crime. This comes in response to increased public concern over crime, including a significant rise in murders and kidnappings. Many believe this uptick is linked to a surge in Chile’s migrant population, which has doubled since 2017 and now stands at 8.8% of the total population.
Kast, often likened to former U.S. President Trump, has a starkly different approach. He advocates for building barriers along Chile’s borders to reduce immigration from economically troubled countries like Venezuela.
Despite Jara’s first-round lead, she faces challenges ahead. Many polls suggest that the overall support for right-wing candidates is substantial, which may give Kast an edge in the December run-off. Pre-election forecasts predicted Jara would secure between 27% and 29% of the vote, but she fell short of that.
This election is significant beyond the immediate candidates. It reflects a broader trend across South America, where leftist governments have faced difficulties. In countries like Argentina and Bolivia, leftist movements have recently lost ground. This trend raises questions about the future of progressive politics in the region.
Furthermore, a recent survey by the Latin American Public Opinion Project indicated that crime and economic issues are top concerns for Chileans, highlighting the urgency for both candidates to address these during their campaigns.
As the run-off approaches, Chileans will be closely watching how these candidates will adjust their strategies. The decisions they make now could significantly shape the nation’s future.
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News, Crime, Elections, Migration, Politics, The Far Right, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Latin America
