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Chile’s First-Round Vote Puts Jara Ahead, Sets Up Likely Dec. 14 Runoff

Compulsory voting expands turnout, injecting uncertainty into a race defined by public demand for tougher security.

Overview

  • Early projections placed Jeannette Jara around 33%, short of the majority required to win outright.
  • Right-wing rivals José Antonio Kast and Evelyn Matthei were roughly tied near 20% for the second runoff spot, with Johannes Kaiser in the low teens.
  • Crime and immigration dominated the campaign, with concern over groups like Tren de Aragua despite an official homicide rate of about 6 per 100,000.
  • Mandatory voting returned for the first time since 2012, bringing more than 15 million eligible voters and, according to experts, the potential for a conservative tilt.
  • Voters also renewed the entire Chamber of Deputies and half the Senate, with polls suggesting the right could secure congressional majorities.