Chile Faces Divisive Presidential Runoff as Kast Leads Jara

Santiago, Chile, is on the brink of a pivotal presidential runoff election featuring far-right candidate José Antonio Kast and left-wing contender Jeannette Jara. This election is marked by stark contrasts in ideology, with Kast leading in the polls as he seeks the presidency for the third time. The choice between these two candidates reflects deep divisions within the Chilean electorate, compelling many voters to select a candidate they feel does not fully align with their views.

At a rally in Temuco on March 14, 2025, Kast energized a crowd of thousands, predominantly young men waving Chilean flags. His speech reiterated key themes of his campaign, emphasizing security and migration. “I’m voting for Kast because of his security agenda,” said Benjamín Sandoval, an 18-year-old first-time voter. “The country is very unsafe; you can’t even go out after 10 PM these days.”

Widespread fear of crime has gripped Chile, bolstered by intense media coverage. According to the 2024 Gallup global safety report, Chile ranked sixth out of 144 countries for fear of walking alone at night, despite being among the safer nations in Latin America. Homicides have surged in recent years, peaking in 2023, although recent statistics indicate a decline in murders.

Kast, leader of the far-right Partido Republicano (Republican Party), has drawn on these public anxieties to bolster his campaign. He has a controversial background: his father, Michael Kast, was a German soldier and member of the Nazi Party who emigrated to Chile in 1950. José Antonio’s brother, Miguel Kast, served as a prominent minister during General Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship, a period that saw significant human rights abuses. While Kast has historically supported Pinochet’s legacy, he has avoided hot-button social issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion in this campaign, focusing instead on security and economic plans, including a proposal to cut corporation taxes and reduce public spending by $6 billion.

In stark contrast, Jeannette Jara, a member of the Communist Party, has crafted a campaign centered on affordability and social welfare. The 51-year-old politician previously served as labor minister under current President Gabriel Boric and was instrumental in pension reforms and increasing the national minimum wage. Jara’s proposals include a universal core income of approximately $800 per month, funded through gradual minimum-wage increases and lower utility costs.

As Jara prepared for her final rally in Santiago, supporters expressed their commitment to her vision. “I would never vote for a man who speaks so badly about women,” remarked Roxana Muñoz, a 58-year-old cashier. “I totally identify with Jara.”

Polling indicates that Kast may emerge victorious, potentially becoming Chile’s most right-wing leader since the end of Pinochet’s rule in 1990. A Kast victory could signal a broader regional trend toward conservative leadership, following recent shifts in Bolivia, Argentina, and Ecuador.

As Chileans prepare to cast their votes, the outcome remains uncertain. The implications of this election will undoubtedly shape the future political landscape of the nation, reflecting the ongoing struggle between differing visions for Chile’s future.