Chile is set for a highly contentious presidential runoff on December 14, pitting José Antonio Kast, a hard-right former lawmaker and admirer of Donald Trump, against Jeannette Jara, a member of the Communist Party representing the incumbent left-wing government. Kast, an ultraconservative lawyer opposed to abortion and same-sex marriage, emerged as a surprise front-runner after securing nearly 24% of the vote in the first round. His campaign, focused on cracking down on crime, building a border wall, and deporting undocumented migrants, resonated with voters concerned about organized crime, illegal immigration, and unemployment. Jara, a former labor minister, narrowly led with 27% of the vote, campaigning on expanding Chile’s social safety net and tackling money laundering and drug trafficking. The runoff reflects a broader regional shift in Latin America, where economic discontent and anti-incumbent sentiment have fueled the rise of right-wing leaders. Kast’s potential victory could reshape Chile’s political landscape, with right-wing parties poised to dominate Congress, marking a significant departure from the left-leaning policies of recent years.
Chile’s hard-right holds the upper hand as presidential election goes to a tense runoff
