Chile's Presidential Election Heads to Run-off Amid Crime and Immigration Concerns
Published 16 November 2025
Highlights
- Chile's presidential election heads to a run-off on December 14 between Communist Jeannette Jara and far-right José Antonio Kast.
- Jara narrowly led the first round with 26% of the vote, while Kast secured 24%, with other right-wing candidates collectively taking nearly 30%.
- The election is heavily influenced by concerns over crime and immigration, with both candidates pledging to tackle these issues.
- Kast, a conservative lawyer, has proposed a "border wall" and a crackdown on immigration, drawing comparisons to Donald Trump.
- This election marks the first time in Chile's history that voting is mandatory for all eligible citizens, potentially impacting the outcome.
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Rewritten Article
Chile's Presidential Election Heads to Run-off Amid Crime and Immigration Concerns
Chile's political landscape is set for a dramatic showdown as the presidential election moves to a run-off on December 14, featuring Communist candidate Jeannette Jara and far-right contender José Antonio Kast. The first round of voting, held on Sunday, failed to produce a clear winner, with Jara narrowly leading at 26% and Kast closely trailing with 24%. The remaining votes were largely split among other right-wing candidates, positioning Kast as a strong contender in the upcoming run-off.
Crime and Immigration Dominate Campaigns
The election has been dominated by public anxiety over rising crime rates and immigration, issues that both candidates have prioritized in their campaigns. Chile has seen a significant influx of migrants, particularly from Venezuela, with the National Migration Service reporting over 1.9 million people entering the country as of December 2023. Kast, a conservative lawyer making his third presidential bid, has proposed stringent measures to curb immigration, including a "border wall" reminiscent of former U.S. President Donald Trump's policies. He has also vowed to combat foreign criminal gangs, a stance that resonates with voters concerned about public security.
Divergent Visions for Chile's Future
Jeannette Jara, a former labor minister under President Gabriel Boric, represents the governing coalition and is seen as a center-left figure despite her Communist Party affiliation. Her platform includes increasing lithium production, raising the minimum wage, and enhancing border security. Jara has emphasized the importance of democracy, stating, "Democracy in our country must be taken care of and valued."
Kast, on the other hand, has built his campaign on a hardline approach to crime and immigration, promising to "put Chileans first." His proposals include a crackdown on foreign criminals and reducing the size of the state. Kast's family history, with ties to the Pinochet era and the Nazi party, has been a point of contention, yet he remains a polarizing figure with significant support.
Mandatory Voting and Its Impact
This election marks a historic moment for Chile, as it is the first time that voting is mandatory for all eligible citizens. The reintroduction of compulsory voting, which was abolished in 2012, has added an element of unpredictability to the race. With automatic voter registration, millions of new voters are participating, potentially swaying the election's outcome. Analysts are divided on how this will affect the results, with questions about whether these new voters will lean towards Jara's progressive policies or Kast's conservative agenda.
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Scenario Analysis
As Chile approaches the decisive run-off, the outcome could significantly impact the country's political direction. A victory for Kast would align Chile with a broader rightward shift seen in parts of Latin America, potentially leading to stricter immigration policies and a focus on law and order. Conversely, a win for Jara could reinforce progressive policies and continuity with the current administration's approach.
The mandatory voting system introduces a new dynamic, with the potential to engage previously disengaged segments of the population. This could either bolster Jara's appeal among younger, more progressive voters or amplify Kast's message among those concerned with security and immigration.
Ultimately, the election's result will hinge on which candidate can best address the electorate's concerns about crime and immigration while navigating the complexities of Chile's evolving political landscape.
Chile's political landscape is set for a dramatic showdown as the presidential election moves to a run-off on December 14, featuring Communist candidate Jeannette Jara and far-right contender José Antonio Kast. The first round of voting, held on Sunday, failed to produce a clear winner, with Jara narrowly leading at 26% and Kast closely trailing with 24%. The remaining votes were largely split among other right-wing candidates, positioning Kast as a strong contender in the upcoming run-off.
Crime and Immigration Dominate Campaigns
The election has been dominated by public anxiety over rising crime rates and immigration, issues that both candidates have prioritized in their campaigns. Chile has seen a significant influx of migrants, particularly from Venezuela, with the National Migration Service reporting over 1.9 million people entering the country as of December 2023. Kast, a conservative lawyer making his third presidential bid, has proposed stringent measures to curb immigration, including a "border wall" reminiscent of former U.S. President Donald Trump's policies. He has also vowed to combat foreign criminal gangs, a stance that resonates with voters concerned about public security.
Divergent Visions for Chile's Future
Jeannette Jara, a former labor minister under President Gabriel Boric, represents the governing coalition and is seen as a center-left figure despite her Communist Party affiliation. Her platform includes increasing lithium production, raising the minimum wage, and enhancing border security. Jara has emphasized the importance of democracy, stating, "Democracy in our country must be taken care of and valued."
Kast, on the other hand, has built his campaign on a hardline approach to crime and immigration, promising to "put Chileans first." His proposals include a crackdown on foreign criminals and reducing the size of the state. Kast's family history, with ties to the Pinochet era and the Nazi party, has been a point of contention, yet he remains a polarizing figure with significant support.
Mandatory Voting and Its Impact
This election marks a historic moment for Chile, as it is the first time that voting is mandatory for all eligible citizens. The reintroduction of compulsory voting, which was abolished in 2012, has added an element of unpredictability to the race. With automatic voter registration, millions of new voters are participating, potentially swaying the election's outcome. Analysts are divided on how this will affect the results, with questions about whether these new voters will lean towards Jara's progressive policies or Kast's conservative agenda.
What this might mean
As Chile approaches the decisive run-off, the outcome could significantly impact the country's political direction. A victory for Kast would align Chile with a broader rightward shift seen in parts of Latin America, potentially leading to stricter immigration policies and a focus on law and order. Conversely, a win for Jara could reinforce progressive policies and continuity with the current administration's approach.
The mandatory voting system introduces a new dynamic, with the potential to engage previously disengaged segments of the population. This could either bolster Jara's appeal among younger, more progressive voters or amplify Kast's message among those concerned with security and immigration.
Ultimately, the election's result will hinge on which candidate can best address the electorate's concerns about crime and immigration while navigating the complexities of Chile's evolving political landscape.
