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11h ago

Chile’s Left Coalition Nominates Communist Ex-Labor Minister Jeannette Jara

Her nomination sets up a November 16 election where right-wing contenders will compete directly after foregoing primaries

Jeannette Jara, a member of Chile's communist party, won 60 percent of the vote
Voters sit next to a sign that reads, "Contributions equal abuse equals senior citizen theft," during the primary elections to select a candidate for president, in Santiago, Chile June 29, 2025. REUTERS/Pablo Sanhueza
Candidate Jeannette Jara, of the Communist party, embraces supporters before voting in primary elections held by the Unidos por Chile coalition to choose the ruling party's candidate for the upcoming presidential election, in Santiago, Chile, Sunday, June 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
People head to cast their ballots in the former Mapocho railway station during a primary held by the Unidos por Chile coalition to choose the ruling party's candidate for the upcoming presidential election, in Santiago, Chile, Sunday, June 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)

Overview

  • Jeannette Jara won the ruling coalition’s primary with about 60% of the vote, cementing her role as its official presidential candidate.
  • A member of the Communist Party, Jara served as labor minister under President Gabriel Boric until April and championed a 40-hour workweek along with pension reforms.
  • Only the left-wing coalition held primaries, while figures such as Jose Antonio Kast and Evelyn Matthei opted to bypass internal votes and focus on the November contest.
  • The primary attracted just over 1.3 million votes out of 15 million eligible under Chile’s compulsory voting system, reflecting low turnout.
  • Chile’s first presidential round is scheduled for November 16, with a December 14 runoff if no candidate secures a majority.