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Chile Votes Sunday in Security-Focused Presidential Race Poised for Runoff

Crime plus migration fears are pushing the field rightward under compulsory voting.

Overview

  • Eight candidates are on the ballot, with Communist Jeannette Jara leading polls and right-wing José Antonio Kast and libertarian Johannes Kaiser competing for the second runoff slot.
  • Chilean law requires an absolute majority to win in the first round, making a December 14 runoff likely if no contender surpasses 50%.
  • Security and immigration dominate the campaign, with plans ranging from new prisons and police modernization to mass deportations and tighter borders.
  • Roughly 15.79 million people are eligible to vote, marking the first presidential contest since voting became mandatory again.
  • Congressional races occur concurrently, and a right-wing sweep could deliver control of both chambers and the four-sevenths threshold needed to advance constitutional reforms.