Chile's presidential election will advance to a run-off vote in December, as neither candidate secured an outright majority in the first round. The two contenders are Jeanette Jara of the Communist Party and José Antonio Kast, a far-right candidate.
First Round Results and Run-off Outlook
In the initial round of voting, Jeannette Jara, representing the governing coalition's Communist Party, achieved a narrow victory. She was closely followed by José Antonio Kast. The outcome suggests a potential consolidation of votes for Kast in the December 14 run-off, as he is anticipated to gain support from voters who backed other right-leaning candidates, such as centre-right senator Evelyn Matthei and libertarian congressman Johannes Kaiser.
Key Campaign Issues
The election campaign has been largely focused on issues of crime and immigration. There has been a notable increase in migration to Chile in recent years, leading candidates to propose measures to combat organized crime, including groups like Venezuela's Tren de Aragua.
Candidate Profiles and Platforms
Jeanette Jara (Communist Party)
Jara, a former minister in President Gabriel Boric's government, is a member of the Communist Party, though her political stance is often described as centre-left. Her policy proposals include:
- Increasing lithium production.
- Raising the national minimum wage.
- Constructing new correctional facilities.
- Deploying military personnel for border security.
During the election results tabulation, Jara emphasized the importance of safeguarding democracy. She has also committed to building new prisons and expelling foreign nationals convicted of drug trafficking.
José Antonio Kast (Far-Right)
Kast, a conservative lawyer and former congressman, is making his third bid for the presidency, having previously lost in the 2021 run-off against President Boric. His platform includes:
- Advocating for stricter immigration controls, including proposals for border infrastructure.
- Opposing abortion in all circumstances.
- Critiquing environmental and indigenous activism.
- Proposing a reduction in the size and scope of the state.
Kast's family background includes his brother's service as a minister during the Augusto Pinochet government and his father's historical membership in the Nazi party. On election night, Kast expressed the view that Chile needed to avoid the continuation of the current government's policies. He has also pledged to construct ditches along Chile's northern borders with Peru and Bolivia, implement mass deportations of undocumented migrants, and build new maximum-security prisons, similar to facilities in El Salvador.
Immigration Context
Chile's foreign-born population has expanded since 2017, reaching over 1.9 million people by December 2023, according to the National Migration Service. Official estimates indicate that approximately 330,000 of these individuals are undocumented, many originating from Venezuela. Kast has linked rising crime rates to immigration, while some studies suggest lower crime rates among foreign-born individuals compared to Chilean nationals. Chile's relative economic stability and security compared to some neighboring nations contribute to its appeal as a destination for migrants in the region.
Electoral Process
This election marked the first instance in Chile where all eligible voters were automatically registered, and voting was compulsory.