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Chile Votes in First-Round Presidential and Legislative Elections Under Mandatory Rules

A December 14 runoff is widely expected because no contender is projected to clear 50 percent.

Overview

  • More than 15.6 million citizens were called to vote at 3,498 polling centers that opened at 08:00 under compulsory voting rules.
  • President Gabriel Boric cast his ballot in Punta Arenas with his newborn daughter present and urged participation while stating he cannot endorse any candidate.
  • Eight candidates are on the presidential ballot, and projections indicate the race will proceed to a runoff next month.
  • Officialist contender Jeannette Jara led pre-blackout surveys at roughly 28 percent as right-wing rivals José Antonio Kast, Evelyn Matthei, and Johannes Kaiser compete for a spot in the second round.
  • Chileans are also electing 155 deputies and 23 senators, with right-leaning blocs seen as favored for Congress; polls close at 18:00 with preliminary results expected around 20:30–21:00.