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Jara Tops Chile’s First Round as Runoff With Kast Set for Dec. 14

Analysts say Kast enters the runoff favored by likely transfers from other right‑wing candidates.

Overview

  • Official tallies from Servel show Jeannette Jara with roughly 26–27% and José Antonio Kast around 24%, sending both to a Dec. 14 second round.
  • Strong first‑round results for Franco Parisi (~19–20%), libertarian Johannes Kaiser (~13–14%) and Evelyn Matthei (~12–13%) left the right’s combined vote above 50%, giving Kast a structural edge.
  • Kaiser signaled he would back a right‑wing option, while Parisi withheld an endorsement and told both finalists to earn his voters’ support.
  • Security and irregular migration defined the campaign, with homicides near 6 per 100,000 and kidnappings up 76% since 2021, according to authorities.
  • Kast proposes mass expulsions, a border wall and tougher policing, as Jara urges voters “not to let fear harden your hearts,” with compulsory voting contributing to heavy turnout.