Far-right Kast Favored in Chile Runoff as Compulsory Voting Returns
Far-right Kast Favored in Chile Runoff as Compulsory Voting Returns
Amid a polarized climate, José Antonio Kast leads the Chilean runoff as turnout rises with compulsory voting, spotlighting hardline immigration and security stances.
Chileans head into a presidential runoff with far-right José Antonio Kast the favorite, facing Jeannette Jara, as the race centers on security and immigration. In the first round, Jara led among left-leaning voters with 26.9% to Kast's 23.9%, while economist Franco Parisi captured about 20% in a campaign that cast him as an outsider. The runoff pits a unified left against a hardline populist amid concerns about the country’s direction.
New factor: compulsory voting is back after more than a decade, which analysts say could shift the usual dynamics and bring in about 5 million voters who typically abstain.
Kast, 59, is a former congressman described as ultra-conservative and the son of a Nazi party member; he has built his campaign on expelling tens of thousands of undocumented migrants, opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage, and a pledge to build a wall at Chile's borders. Jara, 51, a former labor minister, represents Boric's center-left coalition and faces a rush to defend a legacy while appealing to swing voters.
Analysts warn that turnout could be volatile given the new electorate and the unpredictability of right-wing supporters who might back Parisi. The result next Sunday will be watched closely as Chile seeks a path through polarization and concerns about security and immigration.
Cover image source: Chile to pick new President with far right candidate the front-runner 🔗
