In a Chile fearful of crime, a presidential vote pits a communist against the far right

Jeanette Jara of the Communist Party will compete against far-right candidate José Antonio Kast in the upcoming presidential run-off in Chile scheduled for December. This election marks a significant moment in Chile's political landscape, highlighting the contrasting ideologies represented by the candidates.

In recent elections, Chileans showed strong support for hard-line conservative candidates, driven by rising anger over crime and immigration issues. This shift to the right in Chilean politics may pave the way for a potential alignment with former President Trump, reflecting broader trends in global politics where similar sentiments are influencing voter behavior.

José Antonio Kast, an ultraconservative lawyer, is leading in the race to become Chile's next president after securing approximately 24% of the votes in the first round of the presidential election. He will face Communist party candidate Jeannette Jara in the second round. Kast's campaign has been characterized by hard-line promises focused on crime and immigration, echoing a Trump-like approach to politics.

Chile is set to hold a presidential run-off election in December between leftist former Labour Minister Jeannette Jara and far-right leader Jose Antonio Kast. This election follows a competitive first round, where both candidates emerged as the top contenders. The political landscape in Chile has been marked by significant polarization, and this run-off is expected to reflect the ongoing tensions within the electorate as voters choose between contrasting ideologies.

The upcoming Chilean election has raised concerns about the state of democracy in the country, particularly with the rise of far-right candidate José Antonio Kast. Kast has openly expressed admiration for former U.S. President Donald Trump, which has led to fears about the implications of his potential presidency. The election is set for November 16, 2025, and the political landscape is increasingly polarized as Kast's popularity grows.

Chilean voters began casting their ballots for a new president and parliament on Sunday, amid a political landscape heavily influenced by concerns over organized crime and immigration. The election features a stark choice between communist and right-wing candidates, both of whom have pledged to combat foreign gangs. As no candidate is expected to achieve the required 50% of the vote, a runoff is anticipated on December 14.

Chile is set to vote for its next president and parliament on Sunday, with the election expected to favor right-wing candidates. The political landscape is heavily influenced by rising concerns over organized crime and immigration, as candidates leverage these fears to gain support. Javier Sajuria, a professor of comparative politics at Queen Mary University of London, provides analysis on the implications of these dynamics.

Chilean voters participated in a presidential and parliamentary election on Sunday, with expectations that the far-right will gain influence amid rising concerns over organized crime and immigration. Polls indicate that no candidate is likely to secure the required 50 percent of votes in the first round, suggesting a run-off in December.