Chile’s presidential election is set for a decisive run-off in December between Communist Party candidate Jeannette Jara and far-right contender José Antonio Kast, following an inconclusive first round. The campaign has been heavily influenced by issues of crime and immigration, with both candidates vowing to address the surge in foreign gang activities, particularly from Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua. Jara, representing the governing coalition, narrowly edged Kast in the initial vote, but the fragmented right-wing electorate is expected to consolidate behind Kast in the run-off. This could potentially mark a significant political shift to the right in Chile, mirroring trends in other Latin American nations. Kast, a conservative lawyer and former congressman, has advocated for stringent immigration controls, including a Trump-style border wall, and opposes abortion even in cases of rape. He has also criticized environmental and indigenous activism and aims to reduce the size of the state. Jara, perceived as more centrist in practice despite her Communist Party affiliation, has pledged to boost lithium production, raise the minimum wage, and enhance border security. Both candidates have emphasized their commitment to tackling crime and immigration, with Kast proposing mass deportations and new maximum-security prisons, while Jara has promised to expel foreign drug traffickers. This election also marked the first instance of automatic voter registration and compulsory voting in Chile.