Kast–Jara Runoff Enters Final Week in Chile

A fragmented Congress plus a shrunken party map will force the next president to govern through cross-party deals.

Overview

Chile votes on Sunday, December 14, to choose between José Antonio Kast and Jeannette Jara for the 2026–2030 term.
In the November 16 first round, Jara led with 26.85% to Kast’s 23.93%, Franco Parisi drew about 19.6%, and turnout was reported near 85%.
A two-week polling blackout is in force, with the last published surveys earlier this month indicating an edge for Kast rather than a decisive trend.
Both campaigns are courting centrist and first-round voters with moderated messages after a combative broadcasters’ debate that underscored divides on migration and security versus social protection and pension reform.
Parliament will be highly fragmented, the right advanced without securing control, and several parties failed registration thresholds, signaling a governing agenda reliant on negotiated majorities.