Chile's presidential election is headed for a run-off in December between Communist Party candidate Jeanette Jara and far-right contender José Antonio Kast, following a first round that produced no outright winner.
The election campaign has been heavily focused on issues surrounding crime and immigration, as Chile has seen a significant increase in migrants over recent years. Candidates pledged to combat foreign gangs, including the notorious Tren de Aragua from Venezuela.
Jara, part of the governing coalition, narrowly secured victory in the initial voting, followed closely by Kast, raising expectations of a competitive showdown, as Jara is the sole left-wing candidate against a split right-wing vote.
As the December 14 run-off approaches, Kast is anticipated to garner the support of those who did not make it to the final, including centre-right senator Evelyn Matthei and libertarian congressman Johannes Kaiser, potentially foreshadowing a shift towards the right for Chile.
Kast, a former congressman and conservative lawyer, is running for president for the third time after losing to President Gabriel Boric in the 2021 run-off. He advocates for stringent immigration policies, including a Trump-like border wall, opposes abortion in all circumstances, and seeks to minimize government intervention.
Jara, despite her Communist affiliation, is perceived as centre-left, having served in Boric's administration. Her platform includes enhancing lithium production, raising the minimum wage, building prison facilities, and increasing military support for border security.
Throughout their campaigns, both candidates emphasized plans to combat rising crime and improve immigration policies, amidst concerns about increasing organized crime and kidnappings in the country.
Chile's rising migrant population, exceeding 1.9 million by December 2023, also reflects a shifting demographic landscape, with many undocumented individuals from Venezuela. While Kast attributes escalating crime rates to immigration, studies suggest immigrants tend to commit fewer crimes than native Chileans.
Both candidates have also promised to construct more maximum-security prisons, with Jara committed to expelling foreigners convicted of drug-related offenses.
This election was notably the first where all eligible voters were automatically registered, and voting was made compulsory in Chile.
