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Chile Votes in First Mandatory Presidential Election With Runoff Widely Expected

Crime worries plus migration pressures shaped a fractured race alongside congressional elections.

Overview

  • Roughly 15.7 million citizens are eligible to vote under compulsory rules, with polling stations open from 08:00 to 18:00 local time.
  • Pre‑election surveys pointed to no candidate reaching 50%, making a December 14 runoff the probable next step.
  • The electoral service reported only 27.54% of tables constituted at opening time, though voting proceeded across 3,498 centers.
  • President Gabriel Boric cast his ballot in Punta Arenas and urged participation under the 2022 law, noting he cannot endorse any candidate.
  • Security and migration dominated the campaign, right‑leaning blocs are favored in Congress, and libertarian Johannes Kaiser said he would back any runoff rival except Jeannette Jara.