The presidential race in Chile has entered a critical phase as the communist candidate, Jeannette Jara, and hard-right veteran politician José Antonio Kast prepare for a runoff scheduled for December 14, 2023. This follows a polarized election on Sunday where neither candidate secured the necessary majority to win outright. With nearly 80% of the votes counted, Gabriel Boric, the current left-wing president, acknowledged Jara and Kast as the frontrunners heading into the second round.
In his remarks, Boric expressed hope that “dialogue, respect, and love for Chile will prevail over any differences,” as he congratulated both candidates. This sentiment resonated in the streets, where supporters from Jara’s and Kast’s campaigns celebrated their respective performances across Santiago.
Jara, a former labor minister at the age of 51, garnered over 26% of the valid ballots, falling short of the 50% threshold required for a first-round victory. After the results were announced, she addressed her supporters, stating, “I want to send a warm hug to all those who voted for me. This is a great country.”
Kast, who is 59 years old, closely followed with over 24% of the votes. His campaign has emphasized a tough stance on crime, appealing to voters concerned about rising insecurity and illegal immigration in Chile. His strong showing indicates a potential shift to the right in a country known for its stability and economic prosperity, being the world’s largest copper producer.
This election marks a significant moment in Chilean democracy as it was the first presidential contest conducted under mandatory voting laws. Over 15.7 million voters were required to participate out of a total national population of over 18 million, following years of low voter turnout.
While Jara emerged as the leading candidate, Kast is likely to gain additional support in the runoff from right-wing voters who backed eliminated candidates. The upcoming weeks will be crucial for both candidates as they seek to consolidate their positions and appeal to a divided electorate in the lead-up to the decisive election.
