The presidential election in Chile has concluded without a clear winner, leading to a runoff between the communist candidate Jeannette Jara and the hard-right politician José Antonio Kast. Neither candidate achieved the necessary majority in the initial voting held on Sunday, prompting the need for a second round on December 14, 2023. The results reflect a deeply polarized electorate, with Jara and Kast emerging as the front-runners.
With nearly 80% of the votes counted, both candidates have garnered significant support. Jara, the former labor minister and a representative of Chile’s center-left government, received more than 26% of the valid ballots. This figure falls short of the 50% required for an outright victory in the first round. In her remarks following the announcement, Jara expressed gratitude to her supporters, stating, “I want to send a warm hug to all those who voted for me. This is a great country.”
On the other side, Kast closely followed with over 24% of the vote, showcasing the appeal of his hardline stance on crime and immigration. His campaign has resonated with many Chileans who are concerned about rising insecurity and illegal immigration, potentially paving the way for a political shift to the right in a country known for its relative stability and prosperity.
Chile’s current President, Gabriel Boric, acknowledged the results, recognizing both Jara and Kast as significant contenders for the presidency. “I trust that dialogue, respect and love for Chile will prevail over any differences,” Boric stated, as celebrations erupted at the campaign headquarters of both candidates in Santiago, the capital.
This election marks a historical moment for Chile as it was the first presidential election under a new voting system that mandates participation and automatically registers voters. Over 15.7 million voters were required to cast their ballots from a national population of more than 18 million. This change comes after years of low voter turnout, reflecting a significant shift in the political landscape.
Despite securing a leading position, Jara will face challenges in the runoff, as Kast is likely to attract support from eliminated right-wing candidates. As the political tension heightens, both candidates will need to appeal to a broad spectrum of voters as they prepare for the decisive election next month.
