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Jeannette Jara Secures Unity for Chile Nomination with 60% of Vote

Voter turnout fell far below expectations, leaving the former labor minister to confront a fragmented right-wing field in November.

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 about 60% of the Unity for Chile primary vote, earning her the ruling coalition’s presidential nomination.
  • Her victory marks the first time a broad coalition has selected a Communist Party member as its candidate.
  • Only the governing left-wing coalition held primaries while right-wing contenders opted to skip them and will compete directly on November 16.
  • Just 1.4 million of 15.4 million eligible voters cast ballots, raising doubts about the coalition’s ability to mobilize supporters.
  • If no candidate secures a majority on November 16, a runoff is scheduled for December 14 to decide Chile’s next president.